One of the photographs that is never missing in a tourism agency is that of Machu Picchu, the Inca fortress in Peru built by 2445 meters of altitude. Hundreds of people make pilgrimages each year to see these fantastic ruins, and people from all over the world mix among the mountains.
But you know what Machu Pichu sinks? This is what some experts say. Is that so? And if so, what are the reasons?
Machu Picchu
The Andes It is the American mountain range that runs through many of the countries of that continent. During their passage through Peru, the Incas built a sacred citadel, at the dawn of the arrival of the Spanish to America.
Archaeologists estimate its construction around the year 1450.. It is at the top of a mountain and its creation was undoubtedly a great masterpiece of engineering and architecture of this ancient town. Its functions are not entirely clear: Was it an administrative and agricultural center or was it a great mausoleum for the Inca Pachacutec? Or was it a rest home? It may never be known for sure, but it is still there, challenging theories and at the same time.
It was discovered in 1911, or rather, rediscovered, by the American Hiram Bingham. The professor got the support of Yale University and the National Geographic Society and spent a couple of years weeding and digging. The first journalistic article about the citadel appeared in the National Geographic magazine, in 1913.
How is the city? The built part of the citadel is 520 meters long by 200 meters wide and there are more than 70 enclosures. There are two large sectors: one agricultural, with the famous cultivation terraces and other urban zone. The two sectors are separated by a wall, a staircase and a moat. Within this sector there is a building that is known as the Royal Residence because it is the largest and apparently important building: private terrace, service room with access to a drainage channel...
Today tourists have a map with 196 points of tourist interest including squares, water fountains, temples, residences and other monuments. To the constructions of man are added those of nature with the surrounding mountains, the skies and the flora and fauna that is very diverse. There are foxes, pumas, vizcachas, deer and of course, the famous Andean condor.
The best way to get to know Machu Pichu is to dare to do the Inca Trail which begins at km 82 of the railway that connects Cusco with Machu Pichu. Are four days and one night of walking following the route of the old Inca stone road. It is done in groups of at least 10 people with specialized guides. If you don't want to walk that much, you can opt for the shorter version of two days and one night that starts later, at km 104.
Is Machu Pichu sinking?
Having known a little more about Machu Pichu, the question now is, is Machu Pichu sinking? That This is what a Japanese man named Kyoji Sassa from Kyoto University proposes.. Sassa works at the Disaster Prevention and Research Institute of said university and what he proposes is that The land on which the citadel is built is sliding, so a large landslide could occur that ends with the collapse of the Inca city.
The Japanese team has done field work and believes that the posterior slope is shifting at a rate of one centimeter per month So in the long run that will generate a lot of instability in the structures. Although it seems little, the truth is that one centimeter per month is a worrying number, but the Japanese He still does not dare to say a date and keep investigating.
The Japanese geologist He published his theory in the prestigious magazine New Scientist. There he elaborates on the stability of the land and adds that already within the city there is some damage to certain buildings. But can something be done? Specialists are thinking about ways they can preserve this wonder. And you may wonder, what does the Peruvian government think about the Japanese's conclusions?
For Peruvian authorities do not agree with the theory, although They do agree that the citadel is experiencing a lot of wear and tear. due to the continuous visit of tourists and the use of the place for advertising campaigns and others. This year has been particular in that sense because there have been a couple of strikes by Fredim (Front for the Defense of the Interests of Machu Pichu), due to a protest in relation to visitors to the citadel.
UNESCO recommends a certain number of visitors per day and it seems that workers in the tourism sector do not respect it, which affects the conditions of the citadel. On the other hand, the residents demand that 50% of the tickets be sold in the town of Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Pichu, to prevent agencies from hoarding and that some tourists in the end cannot see the ruins. The residents assure that the sale of 200 or 300 tickets in Aguas Calientes is not enough since every day more than a thousand tourists end up stranded at the gates of the ruins.
Furthermore, trying to find a balance between the profits generated by tourism and the preservation of the ruins, Some measures have been implemented plus: no heels or heavy duty shoes, The installation of draining grills in certain strategic places so that the soil does not erode and control the flow of water in the rainy season, for example.
The truth is that 2023 has been a very busy year for Machu Pichu, between strikes, protests and closure of the ruins. It is difficult to live off tourism and not let yourself be destroyed by it.
Practical information about Machu Pichu
- How to get there: You can get to Lima and from there take a flight to Cusco that lasts an hour and a quarter. From Cusco to Ollantaytambo you can go by bus or car in an hour and a half trip. And from there you take the train to Machu Pichu and arrive in two hours.
- TIMETABLE: The ruins are open from 6 am to 5:30 pm.