Machu Picchu Research Paper

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Hidden deep in the tropical forest of Peru, Machu Picchu is 7000 feet above sea-level. The site lies against the Andean Mountain Range, with the incredible city above whereas the Urubamba valley is below. Machu Picchu was built in 15th century, stretches 5 miles across with at least 3000 stepping stones linking the city together, as a result of Inca’s civilization. However, it was conquered by the Spaniards in the 16th century and abandoned since. Many archaeologists sought that this site was a vacation retreat for the Incan leaders due to its difficulty to travel to other places. The historical site has well over 200 structures separating into three different areas for religious, agriculture, and residential. Machu Picchu was divided into two parts, upper and lower areas. The lower areas are for agriculture purpose; meanwhile the upper level is for residential living.
Machu Picchu is an indescribable legacy of the Incan Empire. It demonstrates the advance technology and architectural skills of the Incas. Machu Picchu covers about 32,500 hectares in the mountainous territory that tourists would describe it as “magical”. The majestic site is one of the most important cultural sites in Latin America. On top of that, Machu Picchu’s architectural skills were profound. The Incas built the entire city without the usage of iron and steel. The Incas were then able to build one of the world’s most impressive sites marking its own history. The superior stonework done by the Incas left a significant mark to the world that it is possible to use natural raw material to build such a defined city that fits its surroundings. Up until today, Machu Picchu still provides a small living environment for people and secures the habitat for their endang...

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...ished with tourists; more than 400,000 people were recorded to visit Machu Picchu each year. Since Machu Picchu became a major tourist’s attraction, huge revenue coming in each year, in order to attract more tourists, the Peruvian government gave permission to construct cable cars, luxurious hotels, and restaurants. This has led to many protests done by people because they believe that with heavy travelers, it will take a toll on the ruins. As a result, UNESCO might put Machu Picchu on the list of World Heritage in Danger

Works Cited

http://travel.nationalgeographic.com/travel/world-heritage/machu-picchu/ http://www.history.com/topics/machu-picchu http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/machu-picchu-discovered http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2011/07/110721-machu-picchu-100th-anniversary-archaeology-science/#close-modal http://www.peru-machu-picchu.com/

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