With it's magnificent landscape, the great architecture and the structure of the buildings makes Machu Picchu ("old peak" in Quechuan language) one of the most awe-inspiring sites in the world. The city of Inca is built on the slopes of Andes Mountain. Inca is an ancient civilization that was lost to the world until recently. The city was rediscovered in 1911 by Hiram Bingham. The archeology lecturer was intruded by the stories of a lost city and the hidden treasure in the valley. It is suggested that the city could be an educational or a religious center as no one knows why the city existed.
The city of Inca is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. During the 1980's to 2000 the rates of visitors have reached over 1 million. The higher
pressure of visitors and the lack of motivation to protect the sites has made it a risk to the site. The Peruvian government has limited the number of visitors to 2500 people per day and according to the UNESCO it is still risky.
The famous Inca trail originated from the trail that was first traveled by Hiram Bingham and the local farmers that traveled with him. There are many day trips that leads you to Machu Picchu. For those looking for an adventure the Inca trail takes you to the ruin or you can enjoy one of the most beautiful train rides in South America. Traveling in Peru can be difficult, you have to be careful to keep hydrated and take pre-cautions. The high altitude can be dangerous if you're not careful, the local remedy is either chewing or drinking tea that is made of
coca.
For some one who is interested in ancient civilizations and cultures, Machu Picchu is a must see.
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