History of Machu Picchu: Everything You Need to Know

1. Who Built Machu Picchu?

The origin of the Inca Citadel is the foundation of its legend. The history of Machu Picchu dates back to the golden age of the Tahuantinsuyo, more than 500 years ago.

Pachacutec: The Architect in Stone

Archaeological and historical research indicates that construction began in the mid-15th century (around 1450 AD) during the reign of Pachacutec (Cusi Yupanqui), the ninth Inca and the great transformer of the Inca Empire.

Pachacutec is the central figure when discussing who built Machu Picchu. He was the visionary who expanded Inca rule and the strategist who conceived this elite retreat. Machu Picchu was not built by slaves, but by thousands of mitimaes (colonists) and yanaconas (servants) brought from across the empire, using an unmatched construction technique known as ashlar masonry, where stones fit together perfectly without mortar.

Why Was Machu Picchu Built?

Machu Picchu was neither a capital nor a commercial center, but an elite settlement with dual and sacred purposes. The answer to why Machu Picchu was built lies in two main functions:

• Royal Retreat: It functioned as a llacta or private countryside estate for Pachacutec and his panaca (royal family), offering refuge from the cold of Cusco.
• Ceremonial and Astronomical Center: Its location between two sacred mountains (Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu), along with its alignment with solstices and equinoxes, confirms its role as a place of deep worship, dedicated to observing the Sun (Inti) and honoring the Earth (Pachamama).
  

Traveler Tip: The hydraulic engineering of Machu Picchu is as impressive as its stone walls. The Incas built drainage channels that still function today, diverting rainwater to prevent the citadel from collapsing. A true ancient genius!

2. The Discovery of Machu Picchu and the Mystery of Its Abandonment

One of the most enigmatic aspects of Machu Picchu is how such a masterpiece faded into obscurity.

Peaceful Abandonment and the Absence of Spanish Conquest

When Spanish conquerors arrived in 1532, the citadel was already in decline. Unlike Cusco and other Inca centers, Machu Picchu was never found or looted by the invaders.

It is believed that the city was gradually abandoned—not by force, but due to:

• Epidemics: The arrival of European diseases (such as smallpox) devastated Andean populations before Spaniards reached the area.
• Decline of the Empire: With the Inca civil war and subsequent conquest, the elite who maintained and used the site migrated or perished, leaving the citadel without a clear purpose.

The high jungle (ceja de selva) reclaimed the site, covering the architecture and turning it into a local legend known only to a few farmers who cultivated the land.

The Discovery of Machu Picchu in 1911

Although local inhabitants such as Agustín Lizárraga had visited the ruins earlier, it was American explorer and historian Hiram Bingham who introduced Machu Picchu to the world.

On July 24, 1911, Bingham, from Yale University, arrived in the area searching for the legendary “last Inca capital,” Vilcabamba. Guided by Melchor Arteaga and a local boy, he encountered the monumental citadel hidden beneath dense vegetation. His astonishment and subsequent publications in National Geographic marked the true discovery of Machu Picchu for the modern world, transforming it into the global icon we know today.

3. Magical Routes and Jewels of Inca Architecture

Your visit to the Lost Citadel should be a full immersion into its sacred architecture and breathtaking landscapes.

Machu Picchu Circuits

To maximize your experience, several routes allow you to appreciate different perspectives of the citadel:

• Classic Route (Circuit 2): The most complete option. It leads to the iconic Guardian’s House viewpoint for the classic postcard photo, explores the upper terraces, and descends into the urban sector and main temples.
  
• Huayna Picchu: For adventurers. A short but very steep hike with dramatic views, reaching 2,693 m.a.s.l. Requires booking months in advance.
  
• Machu Picchu Mountain: For moderate hikers. A longer, gradual climb offering panoramic views, perfect for appreciating the scale of the complex and the Urubamba Canyon.
  

Must-See Architecture

• Temple of the Sun: A semicircular structure built over a natural rock base, with windows aligned to receive sunlight during the solstice.
• Intihuatana: A carved stone whose name translates as “the place where the Sun is tied.” Believed to have served as an astronomical calendar and ritual object of immense symbolic value.
• Main Temple and Temple of the Three Windows: Outstanding examples of Inca masonry and their spiritual connection to the surrounding mountains, revered as Apus (protective deities).
  

4. The Gateway and the Flavors of the Sacred Valley

The Machu Picchu journey is enriched by the charm of its base town and the surrounding culture.

Aguas Calientes

Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo) is the main access point to the citadel. Take your time—the town offers a unique jungle-and-mountain atmosphere.

• Urubamba River: Pause to listen to the powerful roar of the river flowing alongside the town.
• Artisan Market: Ideal for purchasing handmade souvenirs, from alpaca textiles to silver jewelry.
• Hot Springs: The town’s namesake. A relaxing soak in the sulfuric waters is the perfect way to unwind after a long day of exploration.
  

Andean Gastronomy That Nourishes the Soul

Local cuisine here is energizing and nutritious, relying largely on naturally cultivated regional products:

• Chicha Morada: A refreshing traditional drink made from purple corn.
• Caldo de Gallina: A hearty soup, perfect for restoring energy at high altitude.
• Cusco Giant Corn (White Corn): A unique variety, often enjoyed with fresh Andean cheese.
  

Important Note: Always carry water in a reusable bottle. Machu Picchu authorities restrict single-use plastics to protect this fragile ecosystem. Be a responsible traveler!

5. Travel Tips

Planning your visit to this world wonder is easier with guidance from a local expert.

Quick Guide for a Perfect Experience

Benefits of Traveling with AndeXperience Travel Agency

As a local expert operator, we ensure a seamless and meaningful experience:

• Flawless Logistics: Coordinated trains, buses, and optimized schedules.
• Expert Guides: Passionate historians with deep knowledge of Machu Picchu and Inca culture.
• Authentic Experiences: Access to lesser-known Sacred Valley sites and genuine community connections.
  

6. Conclusion

We have explored the history of Machu Picchu—from Pachacutec’s vision and its sacred purpose to the emotional discovery of Machu Picchu. This wonder is not merely a collection of ruins; it is a gateway to ancestral wisdom, untamed nature, and human excellence.

Peru offers an adventure that goes beyond sight—it touches the soul. Here, history is not read; it is felt.

Stop dreaming about Machu Picchu. It’s time to explore it.
Discover this unforgettable experience with AndeXperience Travel Agency.
Book your next adventure with us and live the authentic Peru.