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intriguing machu picchu legends image

Intriguing machu picchu legends

intriguing machu picchu legends

There has been a great deal of speculation regarding the purpose and construction of the ancient citadel of Machu Picchu. Like the pyramids of Egypt, the citadel is an impressive feat of architecture for the age in which it was built. This fact, along with its air of intrigue and mystery, have inspired many myths and legends about Machu Picchu.

ExplorandesApr 22, 2024

Why was Machu Picchu built?


One of the biggest questions surrounding this ancient wonder of the world is: Why was Machu Picchu built? There are a great many theories including:



A place of sacrifice


The Incas were not opposed to human sacrifice and one of the most persistent Machu Picchu legends has it that it was a place where female virgins (ñustas in Quechua) were sacrificed. This is because there were a large number of human female bones found at the site.


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An astronomical center


Anyone who has visited or made the trek to Machu Picchu can attest to the Inca’s incredible understanding of the cosmos. Throughout the site, there are large stones carved to perfection and perfectly aligned with the astronomical positions of the planets and stars. The Intihuatana stone is one such example. This has led to the Machu Picchu legend that the site was an astronomical center for the Incas.



A refuge for the Incas


Other speculative Machu Picchu legends hypothesize that it was built as a last refuge for the Incas. When the Spaniards arrived and began conquering Inca territories, it is believed that the Incas fled to the jungle and found refuge at Machu Picchu, where they may have resided with Augustinian monks.


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How Was Machu Picchu built?


Another great mystery surrounding the citadel is: How was Machu Picchu built? How could the Incas move such large rocks before the invention of the wheel? There are some fairly far-out theories attempting to explain these mysteries. Judge for yourself if any of these Machu Picchu legends hold water during your own visit to this amazing place.


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Ayanconchi


Others believe that the Incas prepared a special concoction of plants that weakened stone and made the material more malleable, thus enabling the Incas to achieve the formations you see today at Machu Picchu.



Conclusion


Because of the mysteries that still enshroud Machu Picchu, flocks of visitors from around the world trek to this ancient feat of architectural wonder year after year. While there are various Machu Picchu legends to try to explain its mysteries, its allure has persisted throughout the decades. A visit to Machu Picchu may help you to form your own opinions; or perhaps you will be content to bathe in the mysterious aura of this intriguing place with no need to understand it with your rational mind.




For more information about treks and tours to Machu Picchu, please contact us.


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this season featured experiences
HIKING&TREKKING
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March - December

5 days / 4 nights

This 5-day journey begins at Km 82, the marker that signifies the start of the famous Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Our highly trained guides, who are deeply familiar with these ancient Inca footpaths, will expertly lead us through the magnificent Andean terrain. Along the way, we’ll traverse breathtaking high alpine passes, lush valleys, dense cloud forests, and rushing rivers. We’ll pass through ancient Inca remains of Andean settlements, ultimately arriving at Machu Picchu via Inti Punku (the Sun Gate). Each night, our team of porters and skilled cooks will have a delicious hot meal and a comfortable camp already set up for your convenience. Since we highly value sustainable tourism, we’ll have very little impact on the land, communities, and environment we encounter along the trail, and we will also take steps to enjoy a tranquil hike, avoiding crowds of fellow trekkers. On the final day, a guided tour of the citadel will bring Machu Picchu to life, as we explore and immerse ourselves in the magic and beauty of this ancient, mystical site. Our version of the Inca trail to Machu Picchu trek is truly an unforgettable experience you’ll reminisce about for years to come.
From
1290
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huayhuash trek

April - October

12 days / 11 nights

The Huayhuash Trek is an amazing journey to the very heart of the Cordillera Huayhuash, the second highest tropical mountain range in the world. A trekker's paradise, this terrain is remote, wild, and stunningly beautiful. The film Touching the Void, the tale of climbers Joe Simpson and Simon Yates, was made about their harrowing experience as the first mountaineers to scale Siula Grande, which is part of this mountain range. This version of the Huayhuash trek crosses six high passes over 4500 m (14,763 ft) and two that are higher than 5000 m (16,404 ft)! Throughout the 12 days of the trek, we camp next to stunningly beautiful alpine lakes and in broad, grassy valleys replete with wildflowers and rushing alpine creeks, while basking in the imposing presence of the White Mountains looming over us, with peaks at elevations above 5000 m (16,404 ft) and 6000 m (19,685 ft). At least three days of acclimatization hikes in the area are strongly recommended to be able to enjoy the trek.
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1750
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ancascocha trek & the short inca trail

March - December

5 days / 4 nights

National Geographic Magazine has rated this Inca Trail alternative trek as one of the top hikes in the world! This Ancascocha Trek & the Short Inca Trail is truly the road less traveled by, for those who crave time away from crowds, amidst the beauty of nature. The journey begins at the Parpishu Footbridge and ascends amidst the dramatic backdrop of Mts. Salkantay and Verónica. Crossing through rugged terrain, remote mountain communities, ancient ruins, and diverse ecosystems for around 37 km (23 mi), the trek culminates at the village of Camicancha, near Km 77 on the railroad tracks to Machu Picchu. On day 4, we will board the train to Km 104 to walk along the pathway that covers the final stretch of the Inca Trail, where you will have a taste of the famous longer Inca Trail hike, and the thrill of entering Machu Picchu through Inti Punku, the Gate of the Sun. On our last day of the Ancascocha Trek & the Short Inca Trail, we will spend time exploring Machu Picchu, one of the ancient wonders of the world.
From
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running the inca trails - choquequirao to machu picchu

April - November

8 days / 7 nights

On this run, we will traverse an incredible Inca highway consisting of over 125 km (77.7 mi) of ancient roads. The activities include trail running, enjoying the tranquility of nature, and exploring two amazing and enigmatic archaeological sites. We will cross through highly varied terrain of diverse ecosystems: from majestic rivers at 1500 masl (4921 fasl) to high mountain passes at 4650 masl (15,256 fasl); from tropical rainforests to imposing glaciers; from the territory of the endangered spectacled bear to the skyways of majestic condors in flight; all combining to make this a unique and memorable experience. The route begins in the town of Capuliyoc and passes through the famous archaeological complex of Choquequirao. We’ll visit small villages along the route, running lightly over intact Inca paths winding through the mountains, and ending at the mystical ancient citadel of Machu Picchu.
From
2310
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