The Ultimate Machu Picchu Quiz

This wonder has a lot of history and facts behind it. Try out our quiz to test your knowledge about Machu Picchu.

Initially, Hiram Bingham thought he had discovered Vilcabamba, the Lost City of the Inca. But, Vilcabamba was found in 1950s, after his death.

An Interesting Fact

It is believed that Machu Picchu was built during the rule of Pachacuti Inca Yupanqui, the ninth ruler of Inca.

The Machu Picchu civilization sits perfectly at an altitude of 7,970 feet above the sea level and boasts of a wonderful view of the river.

There are many theories but recent studies indicate that Machu Picchu was used as a royal retreat and sometimes for organizing religious ceremonies.

The Machu Picchu civilization is divided in 2 parts – an agricultural area and the other residential area. There are a total of 150 structures with houses, temples, baths, and sanctuaries.

There are no records of the Incan language as it wasn’t a written language. Also, Machu Picchu translates to ‘Old Peak’ or ‘Old Mountain’ in the native language.

The Spanish people conquered Peru in 1531 for their gold. But, they didn’t find Machu Picchu because of its remote location. Hence, the civilization got saved.

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Huayna Picchu standing tall at 8,835 feet, offers a great view of Machu Picchu ruins and the winding Urubamba River.

The limit of 2,500 tourists in a day has been set. Plus, 500 hikers are permitted on the Inca Trail.

Most stones used in the construction of Machu Picchu weighed more than 50 pounds but still were pushed up by men. Ashlar technique is when stones are perfectly cut to fit, instead of using mortar.

Hard Work!

The sacred Intihuatana indicates the two equinoxes. On those dates, the sun is aligned with the stone creating no shadow.

They say, the stones in Machu Picchu ‘dance’ if an earthquake strikes; but it has been intact throughout these years. The terraces are built to protect it from landslides or erosion.