The Mysteries & Secrets of Machu Picchu Revealed

Machu Picchu remains one of the most fascinating and interesting archaeological sites in the world. Its location, construction, and the mysteries surrounding it have intrigued historians and travelers for decades. How did the Incas manage to build a city atop the Andes? What was its true purpose? In this article, we reveal some of the most surprising Machu Picchu Secrets.

1. When was Machu Picchu built?

Archaeological studies estimate that Machu Picchu was built in the mid-15th century, during the expansion of the Inca Empire. The city is believed to have flourished between 1450 and 1540 before being mysteriously abandoned.

2. Who ordered the construction of Machu Picchu?

The Inca ruler Pachacútec was responsible for building Machu Picchu. Known as the Sapa Inca, he expanded the empire and commissioned the construction of this mountaintop city as a royal sanctuary and religious center.

3. What was the purpose of Machu Picchu?

Machu Picchu likely served as a residence for the Inca elite and a ceremonial center. Many of its temples are aligned with solar events, suggesting an astronomical function. It is also believed that it may have been a retreat for Inca nobility during times of conflict or war.

4. What tools did the Incas use?

One of the greatest mysteries of Machu Picchu is how the Incas managed to carve and fit massive stone blocks without iron tools or advanced technology. It is believed they used stone tools, ropes, wooden levers, and water-and-sand erosion techniques to shape the blocks.

5. The Face of Machu Picchu

One of the most intriguing Machu Picchu Secrets is the supposed “Inca face” on the mountain in front of the citadel. From a specific angle, the silhouette of Huayna Picchu resembles a human profile gazing at the sky. Some believe it represents Viracocha, the Andean creator deity.

6. The Sacred Point Between the Salkantay and Ausangate Apus

Machu Picchu was strategically built between Salkantay and Ausangate, two of the most sacred apus in Cusco, because the Incas saw geography as a spiritual and energetic map. These mountains symbolized fertility, water, and abundance, and their alignment with the citadel allowed for a connection to key astronomical events, such as solstices and equinoxes. Positioned at this sacred balance point, Machu Picchu was not just a ceremonial center but also a place of power, where nature, science, and Andean spirituality converged in perfect harmony.

Why Aren’t Salkantay and Ausangate Visible from Machu Picchu?

Neither Salkantay nor Ausangate can be directly seen from Machu Picchu due to the rugged Andean terrain and the presence of intervening mountains that block the view. However, their influence is not based on direct visibility, but rather on their position within the Inca worldview and their energetic connection to the citadel.

Salkantay, located southwest of Machu Picchu, is the closer of the two mountains and can be seen from certain high-altitude points in the region, especially along routes like the Salkantay Trek. In contrast, Ausangate, much farther away to the southeast of Cusco, is not visible from Machu Picchu, yet its ritual significance and connection to water sources made it an essential part of the Incan spiritual and geographic system.

7. The Chincanas: Secret Passages

Chincanas are underground tunnels in Machu Picchu that may have served as escape routes or paths to other sacred areas. Some explorers have attempted to uncover their destinations, but many remain unexplored due to the complexity and potential dangers of navigating them.

8. Why was Machu Picchu important?

Machu Picchu was not only a royal estate but also a religious and astronomical hub. Its strategic location allowed for precise solar observations, reinforcing the Incas’ deep connection with celestial events. Additionally, its architecture showcases the civilization’s advanced engineering skills.

9. Why was Machu Picchu abandoned?

The exact reason for Machu Picchu’s abandonment remains unknown. Some theories suggest that its population was decimated by European diseases or that the Incas abandoned it to prevent the Spanish from discovering it.

9. Why didn’t the Spanish destroy Machu Picchu?

Unlike many other Inca cities, Machu Picchu was never looted or destroyed by the Spanish conquerors. Its remote location in the high jungle kept it hidden and protected, allowing it to remain nearly intact until its “rediscovery” in 1911.

10. Is Machu Picchu an Inca or Aztec construction?

There is often confusion about whether Machu Picchu was built by the Incas or the Aztecs. The answer is clear: Machu Picchu is 100% an Inca construction. The Aztecs, on the other hand, developed their civilization in Mesoamerica (modern-day Mexico) and had no connection to the Inca Empire.

11. What was the purpose of Huayna Picchu?

At the summit of Huayna Picchu lies the Temple of the Moon, a ceremonial structure carved into a cave, possibly used for sacred rituals. Additionally, its location allowed the Incas to monitor any approaching threats from the valley.

12. Conclusión

Machu Picchu still holds secrets that archaeologists continue to uncover over time. Its history, engineering, and mysticism make it a unique destination. What other Machu Picchu Secrets do you think remain to be discovered?

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