Machu PicchuMachu Picchu

History of the IncasHistory of the IncasThe history of the Incas is unclear, since they left no written records. Historians have speculated that at the time of the Spanish conquest, the site was already abandoned, therefore left undiscovered until 1911. SomeHistorians believe the site was built in this location for astronomical andreligious reasons. The site contains two area, one is an agricultural zone, with storage houses for food and terraces. The other is believed to be a sacredSection with tombs and temples. The ninth Inca ruler, Pachacutec and hisfamily, may have also lived at Machu Picchu. The Incan Empire lasted about a century. At the height of their existence the empire included parts of present-day Ecuador, Chile and and all of Peru and included around 13 million people. They had an organized government, a large military and a sophisticated road system.

Inca History

Travel PlansTravel Plans

Travelers can get to Machu Picchu by train from Cusco. The trip takes 3 ½ hours. Autovagon tourist trains are also available, they are more expensive, but more comfortable. Train tickets can be purchased through travel agents. Train service is also available in Aguas Calientes.

The hours of operation are 7am to 5pm.

The best time to visit is during the dry season, which is May – November.

Accommodations

• Hotels– Machu Picchu

Pueblo Hotel– Hotel Machu

Picchu Ruinas– Presidente Hostel– Gringo Bill Hostel– Machu Picchu

Hostel

• Restaurants– El Indio Feliz

• Peruvian

– Toto’s House• Breakfast/Steak &

Chicken

– The Restaurant Allyu

• Breakfast and Seafood

– Pizzeria La Chosa• Italian and Peruvian

Machu Picchu FactsWhen Hiram Bingham, from Yale University, came upon Machu Picchu in 1911, he was sure it was the lost city of the Incas.The site was built in the late 14th and early 15th century and was believed to be inhabited until the early 17th century. The site is located 7708 ft above sea level.

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