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Machupicchu |
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Machupicchu is a Quechua word, literally translated as "Old Mountain". Machupicchu is an amazing Incan Sanctuary located above the town of Aguas Calientes , 112.5 Km (70 mi) northeast of Cusco . Machupicchu is a 3 hour train ride from Cusco ; it is also accessible by helicopter (30 minute flight) or by hiking the Inka Trail (2 day, 4 day, and 6 day option are available). Visitors arriving by train reach Machupicchu by taking a bus up to the top of the mountain from the town of Aguas Calientes.
Machupicchu is built atop a geological platform of small hills and plains, which emerges north from the central part of the Vilcanota mountain range, and covers an area of 32,592 hectares. After narrowing, the mountain rises again forming a steep pointed mountain known as Waynapicchu.
Machupicchu is made up of two sectors, the urban sector to the north and the rural/agricultural sector to the south. The sanctuary is considered one of the greatest civil engineering feats of ancient times. Its architecture represents man's triumph over the heights. Machupicchu is the pride of Peru ad Cusco and represents the great heritage of the Tawantinsuyo civilization.
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The Historical Sanctuary of Machupicchu:
The sanctuary has far more relevance than just its archaeological ruins. Machupicchu's excellent location is a valuable natural reserve. The sanctuary is located on the eastern slope of the Vilcabamba mountain range, which is bordered by the Apurimac and Urubamba rivers. The natural scenery is extraordinary in its beauty as it crosses varied geographical formations, including granite mountains and almost vertical slopes. As well, the weather and the soil of the region are rich and varied and contribute to the overall diversity of the site.
The region of Machupicchu as a whole covers a multiplicity of architectural and archaeological groups. In the valley visitors can find Salapunku. Qhanabamba, Pinchaunuyuk, Wayraq Punku, Qoriwayrachina, Q'ente, Llaqtapata, Choqesuysuy, Intiwatana and others. At medium height in the mountains are Machupicchu, WiñayWayna, Inka Raqay, Pata Wasi, runku Rakay, Inti Pata, Killapata and others. While at greater heights there are Wayraq Tanpu, Phuyupatamarka, Sayaqmarka, Waynapicchu, Wayna Q'ente, Willqaraqay and more.
The Historical Sanctuary of Machupicchu was established by Supreme Decree Nº 001-81-AA on January 8, 1981 and declared a Cultural Patrimony of the World by UNESCO in 1983.
Machupicchu
