Machu Picchu, UNESCO World Heritage Site

… Lost City of the Incas, New Seven Wonders of the World

I first heard of this pre-Columbian archaeological site in 2007, from Naomi, a friend, who is also a travel agent.  Machu Picchu was about to celebrate its centenary of discovery, and I, the world traveler, had never heard of it before.  When Naomi talked about her experience and that she was planning to visit yet again for the third time, it was evident that this was a noteworthy destination. Naomi also was the person who made me aware of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

View of the city of Machu Picchu in 1911 showing the original ruins

“Where is Michael’s 1000 Places To See Before You Die (a book by Patricia Schultz)?”

First step was to visit the local library and borrow a few DVDs on the subject.  (Have you ever noticed that when you learn/think of something, suddenly, every other TV program is talking about or has an upcoming program about it? It was as if the whole world had thought “Machu Picchu” at the same time!)  DVDs, TV features, books, I sampled them all. The next step was to put a new item on our bucket list and placement of a photo on the refrigerator!
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Hiram Bingham

Background Facts:
               A one-hundred-acre complex of houses, temples and irrigation terraces, Machu Picchu (Old Mountain) was built in the early 1400s, at the height of the Inca Empire. It was abandoned by the Inca rulers in the 1550s, during the Spanish Conquest.  Reclaimed by the jungle, although known by the natives, it was unknown to the world, before being brought to international attention in 1911, by American historian, Hiram Bingham. The site received significant publicity after the National Geographic Society devoted its entire April 1913 issue to Machu Picchu. Since then, Machu Picchu has become an important tourist attraction. By 1976, one-third of Machu Picchu had been restored, and work continues to this day.
               Since the site was unknown to the Spanish during their conquest, it is highly significant as a relatively intact cultural site. Machu Picchu was declared a Peruvian Historical Sanctuary in 1981. In 1983, UNESCO designated Machu Picchu a World Heritage Site, describing it as “an absolute masterpiece of architecture and a unique testimony to the Inca civilization”. In 2007, Machu Picchu was voted one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in a worldwide Internet poll.

National Geographic Society devoted its entire April 1913 issue to Machu Picchu

               In 1912 and 1914–15, Bingham excavated treasures from Machu Picchu; ceramic vessels, silver statues, jewelry, and human bones. He transported them from Peru, to Yale University in the United States for further study, supposedly for a period of 18 months. Yale has retained the artifacts until now, arguing that Peru did not have the infrastructure or proper conditions to take care of the pieces.  Long story short… “Thanks to National Geographic” commented upon several times by the guides, on June 19, 2008, National Geographic Society’s vice-president Terry Garcia was quoted by the daily publication, La República, “We were part of this agreement. National Geographic was there, we know what was said, and the objects were lent and should be returned.” (Evidently, photo of the contract signed by both parties, was published in the April 1913 issue!)  In November 2010, a Yale University representative agreed to return the artifacts to a Peruvian university. (Source/Read more)

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We were planning a South American cruise. Our flight San Francisco/Rio had one stop, in Lima Peru!!!   We could not ignore this unforeseen opportunity! We included a private tour of Lima/Cusco, Peru for 5 days.  Our journey began.

By plane, arrived Lima at midnight. A few hours of sleep at an airport hotel, early morning flight to Cusco.

Began our 4 hour fascinating tour of world wonder lost city of Incas.

We were given tickets for two days to visit the historic site, to satisfy very adventurous visitors –or- to insure you have an extra day, in case the weather fails you.  We were fortunate to experience a wonderful, cool, sunny day. Taking the 30 minute bus trip back to Aguas Calientes, we checked into our Sumaq Hotel, for the evening.  We decided to explore other events during our extra day.

Let each photo speak 1000 words.
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In this post, I have only shared a synopsis of photos and stories of our journey to scenic Machu Picchu. Cusco & Lima also have a captivating history and adventures, which I have not included in this segment. Truly this nation was one of our most delightful experiences. Gentle, soft-spoken, polite, lovely, resilient people with an intriguing history.

FASCINATING and BEAUTIFUL PERU !!!

Majestic Lost City of the Incas, Machu Picchu

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