MACHU PICCHU
Ina remote and solitary location, high in the Andes Mountains of Peru stands a
sacred location that dates back centuries. A cascade of terraced stone ruins set into
the lush and imposing mountain landscapo is all that is left of the Incan
engineering feat known as the city of Machu Picchu. Since its re-discovery in 1911
by American Hiram Bingham, it has attracted tourists from around the world who
come in hordes to catch a glimpse of one of the world's most famous sacred places
of the ancient world. However, Machu Picchu is paying @ price for its international
fame. Commercialization has arrived as Peru benefits economically from the influx
of tourists. More to ig
demand. While the country may benefit, the ecosystem and nature suffers. The
debate rages with those in favor of boosting the country’s economy facing those who
want to protect and conserve the land and the sacredness of the area.
mean a demand for more amenities to meet the
Machu Picchu comes from the native Quechua language meaning, “Old Peak,” and
it is named for the steep mountain on which it is located. This city of ruins sits
almost 8,000 feet above sea level, high above the Urubamba River and a tropical
rainforest. Machu Picchu is believed to have been built about 1450, at the pinnacle
of the Inca Empire, and it was known to have been functioning through the mid-
sixteenth century before the collapse of the Inca Empire with the Spanish invasion.
‘Some believed that Machu Picchu was likely the last place of refuge for the Incas
who were trying to escape the invading Spaniards, and it is thought that the Spanish
never discovered the location as it remained intact, unlike other Inca sites. Over
hundreds of years, the rainforest surrounding Machu Picchu grew sufficiently to hide
the site from view, and very few knew it existed. It remained secret until 1914, when
explorer Hiram Bingham brought the “lost” (9 the world spotlight. WhileBingham was not the first porson to see Machu Picchu, ho is largoly credited with its
“re-discovery". Bingham and others believed the city to be the birthplace of the Inca
people or a spiritual center. Others have thought Machu Picchu to be a retreat for
royals. Whatever its true purpose. the many temples and sacred structures certainly
suggest a spiritual importance of Machu Picchu for the an
nt Incas.
It could be said that the Inca people were some of the earliest environmentalists.
They had a great respect and reverence for the world and the environment, believing
that “Pachamama,” the earth god, was the mother of all humans. Therefore, they
bolioved themselves to be responsible for caring for tho earth. Tho Incas built
temples and structures to honor the gods and spirits of the earth, sun, moon, rivers,
and other things in nature. The Incas’ great respect for nature is obvious in the way
that the manmade elements of Machu Picchu blend with and utilize nature rather
than destroy it.
n’s indigenous people to convert to
Catholicism, many descendents of the Inca have maintained their traditional beliefs
until today. However, Machu Picchu and other sacred Inca sites are now tourist
attractions or archeological sites. This means that today, the indigenous people have
little control over these sites.
As of 1983, Machu Picchu is protected as a UNESCO World Heritage site. However, it
Is also Peru's most popular tourist destination and it brings significant income for
Poru. In the 1990's, a project was prosontod to the Peruvian government for
consideration. This project would mean the construction of a cable car line for
tourists to view the ruins as well as the development of a luxury hotel, including a
tourist complex with stores and restaurants. With the news of the possible
realization of the project, many people protested the project.In 1999, the UNESCO decided to review the situation. With its findings, the
organization declared its complete opposition to the cable car project. It cited
‘concerns about the area around Machu Picchu. The area was already in danger of
being destroyed by the infrastructure that was already in place and the volume of
visitors to tho area. In fact, the organization recommended that the facilities actually
be decreased. Scientists who have studied the landscape also voiced concerns that
the one of the planned cable car stations would be sitting on an area that is prone to
landslides and that the vibrations of from the cable cars could provoke further
landslides. Others stated that because the cable cars would make it easier for
tourists to visit Machu Picchu’s remote and difficult terrain, even more people would
visit and already overwhelmed area. Because of national and international pressure,
the Peruvian government suspended the cable car project. However, many people
believe that it is only a matter of time until the subject is brought up once again.