What is Machu Picchu Why is it important?
What is Machu Picchu Why is it important? More than 7,000 feet above sea level in the Andes Mountains, Machu Picchu is the most visited tourist destination in Peru. A symbol of the Incan Empire and built around 1450AD, Machu Picchu was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983 and was named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007. 10.
What is the biggest threat to Machu Picchu?
Threats to the Sanctuary Machu Picchu faces a variety of threats: excessive tourism, which is especially hard on the fragile site; the generation of solid waste; unsustainable agriculture practices; overgrazing and forest fires; aggravating erosion; landslides; mineral extraction; and the introduction of exotic plants.
Why was Machu Picchu built so high up?
Besides allowing the Inca to more easily find and fit stones together without mortar, the faults provided other advantages. The fault lines running through the site probably directed melting snow and rainwater to the high-altitude outpost providing water.
What happened in Machu Picchu?
During the 2022–2023 Peruvian protests against Dina Boluarte and the Congress of Peru, protesters blocked various routes to Machu Picchu, trapping thousands of tourists at the mountain citadel in December 2022, resulting with the government having to airlift stranded visitors.
What are 5 interesting facts about Machu Picchu?
- The name of this ancient city is not Machu Picchu, and it was never really lost.
- Machu Picchu is incredibly well-preserved and 75% original. ...
- Machu Picchu is situated in deep in the jungle. ...
- Much of the construction was done without the use of mortar.