The History and Meaning behind Machu Picchu

An icon of Inca civilization, Machu Picchu in its prime was truly fit for a king – or, more accurately, an emperor. While there remains some speculation, it is commonly believed the citadel was built for Inca Pachacuti (also referred to as Pachacutec) who ruled from 1438 until his death in the early 1470s. The ninth Inca ruler, Pachacuti would begin an era of conquest that marked the development of the Inca Empire (or Tawantinsuyu), the largest empire in pre-Columbian America. Both skeletal and material remains suggest that Machu Picchu was built to serve as a royal retreat, although its purpose is ultimately unknown. Although it is also taken into account that the Incas considered the mountains as protective spirits.

Machu Picchu’s construction style and other evidence suggest that it was a palace complex of the ruler Pachacuti Inca Yupanqui (reigned c. 1438–71). Technology at the turn of the 21st-century, however, identified a significant proportion of males and a great diversity in physical types. Both skeletal and material remains now suggest to scholars that Machu Picchu served as a royal retreat. The reason for the site’s abandonment is also unknown, but lack of water may have been a factor. Machu Picchu served as a sacred enclosure since during its heyday it had the main function of being a space for the worship of gods.

This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks. There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase, a SQL command or malformed data.

The Web’s Largest Resource for

The location of Machu Picchu represented sacred geography and an environment conducive to spirituality. In addition, the images of the Puma and the Condor appear almost naturally in the mountains. It is even believed that the Machu Picchu map was built to resemble the figure of a condor. But numerous factors can help us discern the reasons why this wonder was built there. In the location of Machu Picchu, there is a spring that provides water to the citadel. In addition, it is known that the cult of water was an important part of Andean spirituality.

It is considered by many to be the best-known archaeological site on the entire continent. And it is one of the attractions that you cannot miss within tourism in Peru! You can do it through an exclusive train trip or on a hiking trail with all the comforts. In any case, you will be surrounded by beautiful landscapes and scenarios of the imposing Andes mountains.

our customers favorite peru tours

Other reasons may involve the strategic location of Machu Picchu. It offers views of the surrounding valleys while it is impossible to view it from below. Not to mention that Machu Picchu enjoys a pleasant and temperate climate, making it an ideal place for cultivation. Machu Picchu was not only a place of worship, it was also a mausoleum for the Royal Panaca. So it had a strong meaning for royalty since it was considered a resting place before leaving for the world of the dead (Hanan Pacha). In addition, with the discovery of the citadel, numerous Inca corpses were found outside the city.

At the other end of Machu Picchu, another path leads to the famous Inca Bridge, a rope structure that crosses the Urubamba River. Beyond the maakichu meaning meaning of Machu Picchu, the complex is a popular tourist center. If you want to visit Machu Picchu, you will not have major inconveniences.

Together with Machu Travel Peru, we hope we have helped unveil the meaning of Machu Picchu. Although the best way to discover the meaning behind this wonderful complex is with a guided tour. Within a tour, you will learn about the wonderful history that surrounds the citadel. This is not to mention the number of views and buildings that await you to contemplate. There is no doubt that this site is on the wish list of many travelers. So if you are looking to enjoy a beautiful tour, we recommend that you start reserving your tickets.

You’ve only scratched the surface of Makuch family history

We hope this article has encouraged your future desire to explore one of the most precious archaeological treasures of Peru. If you want to know more about our tours, you can consult with our team of qualified advisers. Today, the meaning of Machu Picchu involves much of the cultural identity of Peruvians. And as evidence of this, his people continue to practice traditions that endure over time.

Although we strongly recommend that you book your tickets in advance. This site is visited by thousands and thousands of tourists a day. Today it is relatively easy to get guided tours to explore this wonder of the world. If you wish, you can consult our advisers to guide you on the best way to travel. With the facilities offered by the government, you can visit the ruins independently. Although it is true it may take longer to find good reservations and organize yourself with the schedules.

Word History

There are 1,000 military records available for the last name Makachu. For the veterans among your Makachu ancestors, military collections provide insights into where and when they served, and even physical descriptions. Though a steeper and riskier hike, the physically fit should not skip the opportunity to trek a bit further and catch an incredible view of Machu Picchu and the entire land of the Incas from the top of Huayna Picchu.

• In addition, the images of the Puma and the Condor appear almost naturally in the mountains.
• Another possible theory is that it was built to honor the sacred landscape of the area.
• Machu Picchu was the name given by the North American archaeologist Hiram Bingham.
• These writings originate from the 16th century and are one of the first narratives that tell the history of the Inca Empire.
• Therefore, those who lived here were likely all nobles and religious leaders, as well as those supporting them – farmers, servants, etc.
• And based on the investigations that this historian did, it is known that the true name of Machu Picchu is “Patallaqta“.

Its construction is estimated to have taken about 50 years and hundreds of workers. Its construction today would exceed a price of 50 billion dollars. It was considered by historians as a political, religious, and administrative center. But new theories suggest that it was a royal state designed by Pachacutec, the Inca sovereign whose conquests transformed the Empire. Some roads connect it with the city of Cusco and important jungle sites.

This uninhabited city was nicknamed “Machu” due to how old and abandoned it was. Machu Picchu is an original word of the language known as Quechua. That is why if we are left with “Old Mountain” we are falling short with the translation. Therefore, we must learn a bit about the cultural and religious context of the Incas.

The most popular theory is a mix of the two, with Machu Picchu having been used both as a place for rest and relaxation as well as a spiritual retreat. Therefore, those who lived here were likely all nobles and religious leaders, as well as those supporting them – farmers, servants, etc. This is the most likely scenario, as, within the Inca culture, spirituality was a part of daily life, and anywhere the Inca lived was sacred, as he was divine. There are many theories around what the purpose of the citadel was.

Within the conversations, it is stated that Atahualpa’s last wish was to be buried in “Patallaqta.” Making mention of a city located in the mountains. “Pata” could be translated to “Step” or “Platform” while “Llaqta” translates to “Town”. So “Patallaqta” could be translated into something like “City of platforms or steps”.

So the explorer Hiram Bingham only combined these two expressions to name the complex as “Machu Picchu”. Today you can enjoy a wonderful tour of the complex and its history. There’s no best time to visit Machu Picchu, it will all depend on how you want to approach your adventure and your budget. Archaeologists estimate that the construction of the mystical mountain city began around 1450 and took decades to complete.