The Old Mountain
(Re)discovered in 1911Machu Picchu by explorer Hiram Bingham in 1911, Machu Picchu is one of history’s most contradictory of locations. Lost, found, lost again, only to be rediscovered, this citadel city drives a long fascination for me.
About Machu Picchu
Resting just below 8,000 feet above sea level, Machu Picchu commands a view of much of the Eastern Cordillera. From its perch high above the Sacred Valley of Peru, Machu Picchu has popped in and out of the historical record hundreds of times.
TOPOGRAPHY
Machu Piccho sits high atop a rocky mountain in the Eastern Cordillera. At just over 7,900 ft., it’s one of the highest cities of the ancient world.
LIFE IN THE CITY
Originally the home of nobles serving a monarch, Machu Picchu was the home to as many as 700 people.
FLORA AND FAUNA
In addition to native plants and grasses, the city today is home to a number of llama. They like to ham for the cameras, but be careful. They spit.
VISITING THE CITADEL
Getting to Machu Picchu can be grueling. At the same time, the demand is high. The Peruvian government closely guards the city and hiking requires permits. Plan ahead!