Lost City of Incas
Lost City of Incas
Lost City of Incas
world and a testament to the ingenuity and architectural brilliance of the Inca civilization. Formally known
or recognized as one of the "New Wonders of the World," Machu Picchu serves as a powerful symbol of
Peruvian culture and heritage. Located in the remote Andean region of Peru, Machu Picchu has become a
popular tourism destination and the centerpiece of a booming tourism industry. Its dramatic setting and
mysterious past have captivated visitors from all over the world, with about 2500 tourists visiting the site
each day. Furthermore, both Cuzco and Machu Picchu are among Peru's eleven UNESCO World Heritage
sites, and if any of the nearly one million international tourists who visit Peru annually do not visit Cuzco
and Machu Picchu, it would be considered an egregious error.
The importance of Machu Picchu can be seen by its position in Peru's international tourism hierarchy, with
over 90% of all international visits to Peru stopping at the Cusco Department, and nearly half of these trips
include a visit to Machu Picchu. The tourism industry centered around Machu Picchu has positively
impacted the Peruvian economy, contributing significant revenue to the country. However, this boom in
tourism has also resulted in increasing pressure from developers and government officials, who want to
expand tourism operations in the area. Despite the polarization of tourism activity concentrated in the Cuzco
region, Peru has benefited from global interest in ecotourism, adventure travel and cultural tourism.
Nevertheless, the rapid growth of tourism in this part of Peru has not benefited all Peruvians equally. As
such, promoting sustainable tourism practices that prioritize local communities and protect the natural
environment is crucial in ensuring the long-term success of Peru's tourism industry. Moreover, Machu
Picchu has been recognized as South America's leading tourism attraction in 2021. The importance of
Machu Picchu goes beyond its economic contribution to Peru as an iconic symbol of the country's cultural
legacy.
In essence, Machu Picchu represents the culmination of Inca architectural brilliance and serves as a
testament to the cultural heritage of Peru. It is a testament to the Inca civilization's engineering and
architectural prowess, showcasing their mastery of stone-cutting techniques without any mortar. Moreover,
archaeologists believe that the site served as a royal estate for Inca Emperor Pachacuti before it was
abandoned during the Spanish conquest. Today, Machu Picchu's dramatic setting and mysterious past
continue to attract visitors from all over the world, making it one of the "New Wonders of the World". In
conclusion, Machu Picchu is an essential part of Peruvian culture and tourism. Its significance cannot be
overstated, as it represents the culmination of Inca architectural brilliance and serves as a powerful symbol
of Peru's cultural heritage. Furthermore, its status as one of the "New7Wonders" and UNESCO World
Heritage sites has added to its importance in global tourism. However, the increasing pressure on Machu
Picchu resulting from expanding tourism operations is a cause for concern. Therefore, it is crucial that
sustainable tourism practices are adopted to ensure the long-term success of Peru's tourism industry while
prioritizing the protection of the natural environment and the empowerment of local communities.
Additionally, Machu Picchu plays a significant role in Peru's economy as it attracts millions of international
tourists annually.
LOST CITY
OF INCAS