HOME TO ENERGY AND MYSTICISM

Of all archaeological sites in and around Cusco, Machu Picchu is probably the most impressive and renowned. For a long time rumours went round in Latin America, Spain and other parts of the world about such a city, somewhere deep in the Peruvian jungle, but it was not until 1911 after years of searching that this place was discovered. Few things are known about the origin and the purpose of this very mysterious city that had been abandoned already before the arrival of the Spaniards.

The Sanctuary protects an important whole of ecosystems and is also renowned for the great diversity of its birds, butterflies and flowers such as begonias, bromelias, orchids and fuchsias. At 2400 m above sea level covered by the exuberant tropical vegetation of the hazy forest, Machu Picchu lies at the gate of the Amazon. It is the most forward Inca outpost; consequently she lay on the most distant border of the Inca Empire.

From Machu Picchu the Inca’s could exercise control over the Amazon, and secure the way to Cusco, their capital. The threatening precipice on the westside of the site gave the inhabitants of Machu Picchu a natural protection against eventual attackers. The breathtaking views from the entrance to Machu Picchu, or ‘Sungate’, south of the site, are a photographer's dream. Along this trail the Inca’s entered the sanctuary 500 years ago.

From here there is a prodigious view of Machu Picchu. On the whole an extraordinary example of what concerns the remains of Inca religion, due to the fact that at the same time it’s the only place that was undamaged, surviving the destruction of the conquest. It gives, without any distortion, an idea about the enormous spiritual dimension and wealth of the Ancient Peruvians of the fifteenth century.

The Inca’s cherished a holy respect for the terrains on which they build their cities. They imputed metaphysical power to a series of natural phenomenon and places, under which even mountains that still today are worshipped by Peruvian farmers. Their world was ruled by invisible powers that they adored. Therefore this place surrounded by mountains was especially chosen. Those mountains were their gods; gods with whom they could communicate and implore favours. Although those gods were at the same time the cause of disasters and tragedies. For this reason during the construction of Machu Picchu at a place full of danger, the Inca’s felt even more need to find flavour with the divine powers, and they made that through rites and worships.

*If you are interested in one of these tours, go to our contact form

* Cuzco and the Sacred Valley are the starting-points for visits to the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, which can be reached by train or Inca trail.
* For tours, options and Inca trails see “Cuzco” and “adventure”.
* Due to the short distance between Machu Picchu, Cuzco and the Sacred Valley, these tours can be combined perfectly.

*If you are interested in one of these tours, go to our contact form

Return

Up