The Timeless Wonder of Machu Picchu

• HelloQanïsqa
  [KAH-nees-kah]
• GoodbyeAllinllachu
  [AHL-leen-YAH-choo]
• YesArí
  [AH-ree]
• NoManan
  [MAH-nahn]
• Please/You're welcomeAma llulla
  [AH-mah YOOL-yah]
• Thank youSulpayki
  [SOOL-pie-kee]
• Excuse me/SorryDispinsayay
  [DEES-peen-sah-yie]
• How are you?Imaynalla?
  [ee-MYAI-nah-yah]
• Fine. And you?Allin. Chaymanta?
  [AHL-leen. CHAI-mahn-tah]
• Do you speak English?Inglis simi mikuyta munanki?
  [IN-glees SEE-mee mee-KOOY-tah moo-NAHN-kee]
• I don't understandMana yachakuy
  [MAH-nah yah-CHA-kooie]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMenuyta qawaychani, yaparin
  [MEH-noo-yah-tah kah-WAI-chan-ee, yah-pah-REEN]
• I don't eat meatQali mikunmanmi
  [KAH-lee mee-KOON-mahn-mee]
• Cheers!Salud!
  [SAH-lood]
• I would like to pay, pleaseRimayta wasichani, yaparin
  [REE-mai-tah wah-SEE-chan-ee, yah-pah-REEN]

• Help!Yawarapuy!
  [YAH-wah-rah-pooie]
• Go away!Urkupuy!
  [OOR-koo-pooie]
• Call the Police!Polisia llamachiy!
  [poh-lee-SEE-ah yah-MAH-chee]
• Call a doctor!Allin willaku llamachiy!
  [AHL-leen wee-YAH-koo yah-MAH-chee]
• I'm lostLlakipay
  [YAH-kee-pie]
• I'm illPukuy
  [POO-kooie]

• I'd like to buy...Sapallayta yachani...
  [SAH-pahl-lie-tah yah-CHAH-nee]
• I'm just lookingQawaymanchu
  [KAH-WAI-mahn-choo]
• How much is it?Imataq chay?
  [ee-MAH-tahch chie]
• That's too expensiveChaypi chaski
  [CHIE-pee CHAH-skee]
• Can you lower the price?Qullqiyta sumaqchayki?
  [KOOL-yee-tah soo-MAHK-chahy-kee]

• What time is it?Imaynataq
  [ee-MYAI-nah-tahch]
• It's one o'clockHuk pachakama
  [HOOK pah-chah-KAH-mah]
• Half past (10)Iskay urqukama
  [ees-KIE OOR-koo-KAH-mah]
• MorningÑawinchis
  [NYAH-ween-cheese]
• AfternoonIntip chaskis
  [een-TEEP CHAH-skees]
• EveningTuta chaskis
  [TOO-tah CHAH-skees]
• YesterdayAntisuyu
  [AHN-tee-soo-yoo]
• TodayKuyay
  [KOO-yie]
• TomorrowMayusuyu
  [MAH-you-soo-yoo]
• 1Huk
  [HOOK]
• 2Iskay
  [ees-KIE]
• 3Kimsa
  [KEEM-sah]
• 4Tawa
  [TAH-wah]
• 5Pichqa
  [PEECH-kah]
• 6Soqta
  [SOHK-tah]
• 7Qanchis
  [KAN-cheese]
• 8Pusaq
  [POO-sahk]
• 9Isqun
  [ees-KOON]
• 10Chunka
  [CHOON-kah]

• Where's a/the...?Mana...pi kanki?
  [MAH-nah...pee KAHN-kee]
• What's the address?Imaynataq wasiyki?
  [ee-MYAI-nah-tahch wah-SEE-kee]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Mapapi qayanki?
  [MAH-pah-pee kah-YAHN-kee]
• When's the next (bus)?Qhawan kachun?
  [KWAH-wahn kah-CHOON]
• A ticket (to ....)Pirkama (....pi)
  [PEER-kah-mah (...pee)]

In 1911, American historian and explorer Hiram Bingham stumbled upon the ruins of Machu Picchu while searching for the lost city of Vilcabamba. With the guidance of local Quechua-speaking farmers, Bingham brought global attention to the site, which had remained relatively unknown to the outside world. His findings were later published in the National Geographic magazine, cementing Machu Picchu's status as a significant archaeological site.

Machu Picchu was constructed in the mid-15th century under the reign of Inca Emperor Pachacuti. The site is a marvel of Inca engineering, featuring terraces, sophisticated irrigation systems, and precisely cut stone structures that fit together without mortar. The architecture reflects both religious and astronomical significance, with buildings aligned to celestial events.

Machu Picchu is believed to have served as a religious retreat for Inca nobility. The site includes several temples and ceremonial structures, such as the Temple of the Sun and the Intihuatana Stone, which was used for astronomical observations. The location high in the Andes, surrounded by sacred peaks, further underscores its spiritual importance.

The reasons for Machu Picchu's abandonment remain a mystery, but it is often linked to the Spanish conquest of the Inca Empire in the 16th century. The site was left to be reclaimed by the jungle until its rediscovery by Hiram Bingham in the early 20th century. Despite its abandonment, Machu Picchu was never found by the Spanish, which preserved much of its original architecture and layout.

In 1983, Machu Picchu was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognizing its historical, cultural, and architectural significance. This status has helped in the preservation and protection of the site, ensuring that it remains a vital link to understanding Inca civilization.

Machu Picchu continues to be a symbol of Incan heritage and pride for modern Peruvians. It attracts millions of visitors annually, offering a glimpse into the advanced engineering and rich culture of the Inca Empire. The site also plays a crucial role in the local economy, bolstering tourism and providing jobs for many in the region.

Machu Picchu is located in the Andes Mountains of Peru. The nearest city with an airport is Cusco, which is approximately 75 kilometers away. From Cusco, travelers can take a train to Aguas Calientes, the town closest to Machu Picchu. The train journey takes around 3.5 hours and offers scenic views of the Urubamba River and surrounding mountains. Alternatively, adventurers can hike the Inca Trail, a multi-day trek leading directly to the ancient site. Another option is to take a combination of bus and train from Cusco to reach Aguas Calientes.

Once in Aguas Calientes, shuttle buses run regularly from the town to the entrance of Machu Picchu. The bus ride takes about 30 minutes. Tickets for these buses can be purchased in advance or on the day of your visit. Within Aguas Calientes, walking is the most common mode of transportation due to the town's small size. For those exploring the Sacred Valley, taxis and private car hires are available, but booking through reputable agencies is recommended for safety.

The official currency in Peru is the Peruvian Sol (PEN). Credit cards are widely accepted in Cusco and Aguas Calientes, but it is advisable to carry cash for smaller purchases, especially in remote areas. ATMs are available in both cities, but fees can be high. It is wise to withdraw sufficient cash in Cusco before heading to Machu Picchu. Ensure you have small denominations for tips and minor expenses.

Machu Picchu and its surrounding areas are generally safe for tourists. However, as with any popular tourist destination, be vigilant about your belongings, especially in crowded areas like train stations and markets in Cusco. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas. In Cusco, be cautious in neighborhoods such as San Blas after dark, where pickpocketing can occur. Always use registered taxis or transportation services.

In case of emergency, dial 105 for police assistance and 116 for medical emergencies. A small medical clinic is available in Aguas Calientes. For more serious issues, travelers should head to hospitals in Cusco. It is crucial to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies and evacuation. For minor health concerns, pharmacies in Cusco and Aguas Calientes can provide over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and sturdy footwear for exploring Machu Picchu. Avoid wearing high heels or flip-flops. Religion: Do respect local customs and the sanctity of the site. Avoid touching or climbing on the ruins. Public Transport: Do be respectful and follow the rules on trains and buses. Don't overcrowd or push. Greetings: Do greet locals with a friendly "Buenos días" or "Buenas tardes." A handshake is customary. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes, such as ceviche and alpaca. Don't drink tap water; always opt for bottled or purified water.

To experience Machu Picchu like a local, consider visiting early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid peak crowds. Engage with local guides who can provide in-depth historical insights and personal stories. In Aguas Calientes, explore local markets for handmade crafts and souvenirs. Try traditional Peruvian cuisine at local eateries rather than tourist restaurants for an authentic experience. Additionally, acclimate to the altitude in Cusco before heading to Machu Picchu to avoid altitude sickness.