Why did the Spanish not find Machu Picchu?
It is thought that the Spanish conquistadores did not track down Machu Picchu because it had actually been abandoned by the Incas shortly before the arrival of Spanish soldiers to the Cusco area during their conquest of the Incas in the 1530’s.
When did the Spanish get to Machu Picchu?
1532
When the conquering Pizarros arrived in Cusco in 1532, Machu Picchu must have been mostly forgotten and the few who remembered, died without revealing its location to the Spanish.
What language did they speak in Machu Picchu?
Quechua
Quechua, also called ‘Runa simi’ is the most widely used native language in South America. It is spoken in various regions of Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, Colombia, Chile and Argentina.
What does Machu Picchu mean in English?
Old Peak
More than 7,000 feet above sea level in the Andes Mountains, Machu Picchu is the most visited tourist destination in Peru. In the Quechua Indian language, “Machu Picchu” means “Old Peak” or “Old Mountain.”
Did the Spaniards destroy Machu Picchu?
The Spanish did not destroy Machu Picchu because they did not know it was there. It was built high in the Andes Mountains and could not be seen from…
Why is Machu Picchu so mysterious?
Another great mystery of Machu Picchu is how it was built without the wheel. Although the Incas are believed to have known about the wheel’s existence, they never used it. Many large granite rocks used in the citadel’s construction had to be moved somehow up the steep Andean mountains to be set in place.
What disease killed the Incas?
In addition to North America’s Native American populations, the Mayan and Incan civilizations were also nearly wiped out by smallpox. And other European diseases, such as measles and mumps, also took substantial tolls – altogether reducing some indigenous populations in the new world by 90 percent or more.
What was the purpose of Machu Picchu?
Many modern-day archaeologists now believe that Machu Picchu served as a royal estate for Inca emperors and nobles. Others have theorized that it was a religious site, pointing to its proximity to mountains and other geographical features that the Incas held sacred.
Is Machu Picchu Spanish speaking?
The official languages in the whole Peruvian territory are 3; The Spanish, the Quechua and the Aymara; However, know that in Cusco more than 100 indigenous languages are spoken, and although they are not official languages, they are languages officially recognized.
Did the Incas speak Spanish?
Quechua and ancient Peru Once deemed the official language of the Inca Empire, Quechua became highly regarded. After the Spanish conquest in the 16th century, Quechua managed to survive and was even adapted by some Spanish speakers to spread Christianity.
What is so special about Machu Picchu?
It is considered by many to be the most spectacular urban creation of the Inca Empire and one of the most important heritage sites in the world. It sits on top of a mountain, 8,000 feet (2,430 meters) in the tropical forest, offering spectacular scenery with significant endemic biodiversity of flora and fauna.
Why is Machu Picchu a no fly zone?
Peru’s Transport and Communications ministry has declared the area around the site a no-fly zone. Environmentalists said a number of rare animals and plants would have been severely affected by the low-flying helicopter tours. Machu Picchu, a world heritage site, is Peru’s biggest tourist attraction.