Machu Picchu

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Machu Picchu’s History

•Introduction -What is it? Machu Picchu, the 'Lost City of the Incas' is the best-known and most spectacular site in South America. The majestic ruins sit on an isolated mountain-top above the Urubamba River and can be reached by the Inca trail. -Where is it? What physical/human geography it is close to? Machu Picchu is set in the high Andean valley on the outskirts of the Amazon Rainforest, and the Andes run through it. This is near Cusco based in Peru.1. Physical - The Inca Trail has ten different climatic zones and sub-zones, from deserts to tropical Andean cloud forest; home to exotic plants and animal life. There is also Stunning scenery with the snowy peaks of the Andes (over 6,000 metres), fast flowing rivers and deep valleys.

2. Human - Machu Picchu has many activities to offer for tourists, like following the Inca trial which is a

very for filling achievement. Also they offer other activities like rafting on the Urubamba river and visiting the nearby town of Aguas Calientes .

Short history of Machu Picchu • The Incas started building the Machu Picchu around AD 1430 but it was abandoned as an

official site for the Inca rulers a hundred years later at the time of the Spanish conquest of the Inca Empire. Although known locally, it was largely unknown to the outside world before being brought to international attention in 1911 by Hiram Bingham, an American historian. Since then, Machu Picchu has become an important tourist attraction.

• What makes the site a good place for building a settlement?- Machu Picchu is a good place to build a settlement because of how remote and hidden it is

(remained undiscovered from the Spanish). There is also less disease (e.g. No mosquitoes to carry Malaria). The beauty of the ruined buildings with the Amazon in the back ground is breath taking, this is why people find the Inca trail such an achievement. Spiritually a good location for it has an greater connection to the skies.

- What makes the site a bad place to build a settlement?- There may be a few problems building a settlement here for you are building on top of an

mountain, not only with uneven ground but with high altitudes. The access to Machu Picchu is very hard, including producing supplies such as food. It is extremely cold at night, but hot in the day for when you are up there it is very exposed. Machu Picchu is difficult to farm due to the steep slopes.

- The Incas abandoned Machu Picchu because the resources may have become scarce, and the need to expand become prominent.

- I believe the Incas chose this destination because of their cultural believes, being with nature. Also to defend themselves, for the Machu Picchu is very well protected.

The impacts of tourism on Machu Picchu • Benefits of tourism on local people, economic and the environment:• Tourism brings income and jobs to local people who work in Machu Picchu.• It introduces the tourists and locals to new cultures. • Facilities and infrastructure supported by tourism (e.g. the railway) can also benefit residents. • Encourages the learning of new languages and skills.• Attracts high-spending tourists from higher socio-economic groups. • Helps attract additional businesses and services to support the tourist industry. • Fosters conservation and preservation of natural, cultural and historical resources. Also it

could be consider an clean industry. • The costs of tourism on local people:• Tourists may cause conflict with the local people between there faith, religion etc. • May change individual and family behaviour and relationships. • Over loading of tourists could bring disease to the local area. • Can lead to an increase in crime. • The more tourist the more harm to the environment (2000 people per year). Footpath

erosion and pollution from transport to get to Mach Picchu will have an huge effect. This could also upset the locals for it could change to spiritual side of the attraction.

• The tourism in Machu Picchu is seasonal, so in part of the year the workers are unemployed. • Also the jobs provided are usually poorly paid.

What is being done to try and preserve the site

• Machu Picchu • The Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu protection is mandated under the U.N. convention as

well as Peruvian law. There is potential for Machu Picchu to be added to the endangered sites list which entitles it to special attention and international assistance.

• Laws states that the number of visitors should be kept to 800 people and they have to wear soft shoes to take the pressure of the ruins.

• Aguas Calientes receives 10 percent of ticket receipts from Machu Picchu to improve the towns infrastructure, including sewage and waste treatment.

• The Local people of Peru are actively involved in working to preserve their spiritual and cultural heritage. Communities have campaigned for the protection of the spiritual heritage of Peru’s local people.

• Inca Trial • Entry fee will be raised from U.S. $17 to $50 for full trail. • Independent hikes are no longer authorized with an Inca trail guide. • They only allow 15 visitors at a time, no more than 40 total and that's including workers. • To experience this trail you have to book 3-6 months in advance. • They close for maintenance one month a year, and only allow tourist to spend 4 nights. • All rubbish must be carried out of the Trail and Only certain types of fuel can be used.

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