Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley are two emblematic destinations in Peru, two places full of mystery and dreams. There are a lot of curious facts and fascinating anecdotes that make these places even more special. If you are planning a visit or simply want to surprise your friends with unique knowledge, here are some of the funniest facts about Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley.
Machu Picchu: The lost city that was never lost
People popularly know Machu Picchu as “the lost city of the Incas”, but in reality it was never totally lost. Although Hiram Bingham discovered it for the Western world in 1911, the local inhabitants always knew of its existence. In fact, when Bingham arrived, a Quechua family was already living in the area and helped him find the ruins.
The commercial that almost destroyed the sacred rock
In 2000, a crane used during the filming of a beer commercial struck the famous Intihuatana stone, an important Inca altar that served as a sundial. The incident caused irreparable damage to the stone, which generated outrage in the archaeological community.
Since then, the regulations for filming in Machu Picchu are much stricter and regularized.
Llamas: The True Guardians of Machu Picchu
If you visit Machu Picchu, you will notice that the llamas seem to dominate the citadel with total freedom. The curious thing is that the llamas play an essential role: they are in charge of keeping the grass under control, thus preventing it from growing too much and becoming a problem for the conservation of the site.
There is no mortar between the stones… and they are still intact!
The Incas built Machu Picchu using a technique called “ashlar”, in which the stones fit together perfectly without the need for mortar. This method allowed the structures to withstand earthquakes for centuries, as the stones can move slightly without collapsing.
The Sacred Valley: A natural spa for the Incas
The Sacred Valley was not only an agricultural and cultural center, but also a place of rest and wellness. The Incas took advantage of the natural thermal baths, such as those of Aguas Calientes and Lares, to relax and recover after long treks. Today, these baths are still an excellent option for those seeking relaxation after visiting Machu Picchu.
Machu Picchu has a mountain with the same name (and it is higher than Huayna Picchu).
Many tourists believe that Huayna Picchu is the main mountain of Machu Picchu, but in reality the mountain that bears the same name as the citadel is even higher. At 3,082 meters above sea level, Machu Picchu Mountain offers spectacular views and a less steep hike than Huayna Picchu, but equally challenging.
A perfect place to experience absolute silence
Many times we have the desire to experience total silence, for such occasions Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley are ideal places. In certain areas of the citadel and in some parts of the Sacred Valley, the lack of noise pollution allows you to hear only the wind, birdsong and the flow of water, something increasingly rare in the modern world full of hustle and bustle.
There are more than 150 buildings in Machu Picchu
The architectural planning of Machu Picchu is impressive, although at first glance it looks like a small citadel, the reality is that there are more than 150 buildings, including temples, squares, agricultural terraces and houses. All this in a space of approximately 13 square kilometers.
The mystical secret door of Machu Picchu
In 2010, a French archaeologist named Thierry Jamin claimed to have found a sealed door inside Machu Picchu that could lead to a royal Inca tomb. To date, Peruvian authorities have not authorized excavations at the site, leaving this enigma unsolved… for now.
The Inca Trail has more than one route
When we talk about the Inca Trail, many think of the classic 4-day route, but in reality there are several versions. We have alternative routes, such as the Short Inca Trail (2 days), ideal for those looking for a lighter experience, and other lesser known routes that connect different parts of the Sacred Valley, such as the Salkantay Trek.
The train station in Aguas Calientes is almost inside the market.
If you take the train to Machu Picchu, you will notice something unusual in Aguas Calientes: the train station is literally right next to the handicrafts market. This makes the arrival and departure of the trains a unique experience, with vendors offering souvenirs right next to the tracks.
Eating guinea pig in the Sacred Valley: A tradition with history
Guinea pig is a typical dish of the Andes and has great cultural importance. In the Sacred Valley, many communities have raised guinea pigs for centuries, and some restaurants even serve them in gourmet presentations, a clear fusion of tradition and modernity.