By Tom Simmonds

Maccu Piccu

Peru is located in the North West of South America and Maccu Piccu is in the heart of Puru.

Location of Maccu Piccu

The stunning site of Machu Picchu, the fabled "lost city of the Incas," is South America's greatest attraction, one that draws ever-increasing numbers of visitors from across the globe. The Incas hid Machu Picchu so high in the clouds that it escaped destruction by the empire-raiding Spaniards, who never found it. It is no longer lost, now thousands

Introduction

The legend tells that that kingdom had been founded in times immemorial by a hero called Manco Khapaq and his wife Mama Oqllu, whose origins are mixed up with the apus and tutelary gods of mythology and are full of magic and sacred events that speak of the installation of agricultural tasks, crafts, the founding of cities, and the establishment of order. Manco Khapaq was succeeded by several sinchis ("lords") or governors linked to traditional wars with their neighbors and a progressive growth of power and capacity for conquest. Finally, when Inca Wiraqocha governed, the neighbors to the west, the Chancas, intensified their acts of war and laid siege to Cuzco, until the Incas were liberated by a new hero from then on called Pachakutec Inca Yupanki .

History

Detailed map of Maccu Piccu

Maccu Piccu was built on this pacific site for many reasons. For example, it is high up in the Andes so the native people may have built there for spiritual reasons. Also it is hard for invaders, like the Spanish to attack.

Why is it a good site for building a settlement?

Even though it sounds like a very good place to live and work, there were many downfalls to such a project. As it was so high up it was extremely hard to carry supplies and building materials up to where they were needed. Also it was not easy trying to find and grow food.

Why is it not such a good site to build on?

I think that Maccu Piccu was abandoned because it was so hard to live in the extreme environment. Food was scarce and weather conditions could get dangerous at times.

Why was Maccu Piccu abandoned by the Incas?

I think that it was built around religion. At the time people were far more religious than they are today. They would go to greater extents to express there feelings.

The obviuos answer.

Thousands of people visit Maccu Piccu each year. They walk the Inca trail eroding the path as they go. Also people need places to stay so the locals are offered jobs at hotels and restaurants etc. This means that tourism is benificial to the people of Maccu Piccu.

How does tourism effect the locals?

The main reason for tourism in Maccu Piccu is to Walk the Inca trail and see the breathtaking view from the top of the Andes. It offers people jobs that may otherwise struggle to find work. Also it makes the area famous around the world so more people go and visit. It also brings in money to keep local facilities up and running.

Benifits of tourism.

Some negatives for tourism in Maccu Piccu are that it may end up ruining the landscape. For example if there was a large hotel that could be considered ugly.

Negatives of tourism,

The Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage cultural and natural site in 1983 and comprises about 80,000 acres. Its protection is mandated under the U.N. convention as well as Peruvian law. There is potential for Machu Picchu to be added to the endangered sites list which entitles it to special attention and international assistance. UNESCO says that visitor number should be cut to 800 visitors, and says they should wear soft shoes to reduce pressure on the ruins. Also the fee to use the trail is going to be raised to reduce the number of people visiting.

What is being done to try and preserve this site?