| Machu Picchu | |
| BorisVM | [img]http://www.bbc.co.uk/50/destinations/peru_50/images/1.jpg[/img]
Best time to go: You can expect heavy rain in the mountains from December to April. Rarely if ever rains in Lima or along the coast
The ruins of this dramatic mountain top Incan citadel is set against the lush scenic backdrop of the densely forested Peruvian mountains. It has to be the most beguiling and enchanting of citadels, surrounded by mystery and legend. For years, the site of Machu Picchu lay largely forgotten until Yale University professor Hiram Bingham "discovered" it in 1911.
It is thought that Machu Picchu was built in the 15th or 16th centuries, and was possibly used as a fortress. It is located about 50 miles (80 kilometres) north of Cusco in Peru in the Cordillera de Vilcambaba section of the Andes mountains, in between two peaks, Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu.
It is believed that the Incas studied the astronomy and geography of the site, and concluded that this was an auspicious location for a city, and it is thought that Machu Picchu was one of a series of fortified sites.
Here the Incas carved terraces in to the mountain side and built white granite dwellings, temples and storehouses. There are more than a hundred flights of steps linking all the various buildings, many of which now lay in ruins, but are nevertheless fascinating.
The entire area is now fiercely protected, and guards are there to ensure that visitors do not deviate from the allotted pathways, but this does not detract from the beauty and majesty of this breathtaking city.
http://www.destination360.com/start1.htm |
| BorisVM | Located 120 km northwest of Cusco, the Inca city of Machu Picchu lay hidden from the world in dense jungle covered mountains until 1911. This 'Lost City' is one of the world's archeological jewels and is one of South America's major travel destinations. The well preserved ruins of Machu Picchu seem to almost cling to the steep hillside, surrounded by towering green mountains overlooking the Vilcanota River Valley. Even after having seen the classic photos of Machu Picchu in guide books, web sites, travel brochures and postcards you still cannot fail but to be impressed by the awe-inspiring location of the ruins. |
| jelence | da da da ideme u peru!!! najubavata zemja na svetot |