Unraveling the Mysteries of Machu Picchu

Photo by Eddie Kiszka

VOCABULARY

Enigmatic	difficult to interpret or understand; mysterious. The ancient ruins of Machu Picchu are enigmatic and continue to baffle historians and archaeologists alike.
Abandoned	deserted; left behind. Machu Picchu was abandoned by the Inca Empire a century after it was built, and remained hidden from the outside world for over 400 years.
Terraces	a level paved area or platform adjacent to a building; a flat area of land on a slope, used for cultivation. Machu Picchu's terraces were likely used for agricultural purposes, and some experts believe they were part of a sophisticated water management system.
Legacy	a thing handed down by a predecessor; something that remains from an earlier time. The Inca Empire's legacy can be seen in the ruins of Machu Picchu and its surrounding region.
Ecosystem	a biological community of interacting organisms and their physical environment. The difficult terrain and delicate ecosystem of Machu Picchu has led to concerns about environmental damage caused by the sheer number of visitors.
Conservation	the act of preserving or protecting something, especially the natural environment. The Peruvian government has implemented strict conservation policies to protect the delicate ecosystem and limit the impact of tourism on Machu Picchu.

ARTICLE

Machu Picchu, an ancient Incan city located in the Andes Mountains of Peru, draws thousands of visitors each year despite its remote location and difficult terrain.

Built in the 15th century by the Inca Empire, it was abandoned a century later and remained hidden from the outside world for over 400 years until American explorer Hiram Bingham rediscovered the site in the early 20th century.

However, many aspects of Machu Picchu remain a mystery, such as why it was built in such a remote location and the role it played in Incan society.

While it is clear that the city was an important cultural and religious center, historians still debate whether it was a significant political center as well.

Visitors to Machu Picchu can explore the city's impressive ruins, hike to the top of Huayna Picchu for breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape, and learn about the Inca Empire and its legacy.

However, the sheer number of visitors combined with the difficult terrain and delicate ecosystem has led to concerns about environmental damage and overcrowding.

To address these issues, the Peruvian government has implemented measures such as limiting the number of visitors and implementing strict conservation policies.

Despite these challenges, Machu Picchu remains one of the world's most fascinating and mysterious destinations, offering visitors a combination of natural beauty and ancient history that is sure to leave them awestruck and inspired.

Photo by Nathalie Marquis

DISCUSSION

1. What is Machu Picchu, and why is it considered an important destination for visitors?

2. When was Machu Picchu built, and why was it abandoned by the Inca Empire?

3. What are some of the mysteries surrounding Machu Picchu, and what are some possible explanations?

4. What are some of the challenges facing Machu Picchu today, and how is the Peruvian government addressing them?

5. Have you ever visited a historical site or monument? If so, how did the experience compare to what you read about Machu Picchu? If not, would you like to visit Machu Picchu or a similar destination in the future?

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FURTHER DISCUSSION

1. What are some of the benefits and drawbacks of tourism for destinations like Machu Picchu?

2. How does learning about historical sites and monuments like Machu Picchu help us better understand and appreciate different cultures and civilizations?

3. What are some other examples of destinations or attractions that are considered both beautiful and mysterious, and why do people find them fascinating?

4. How has technology helped us to learn more about ancient civilizations like the Inca Empire and Machu Picchu?

5. What are some steps that individuals and governments can take to protect the environment and cultural heritage sites like Machu Picchu for future generations?