Machu Picchu: some history and story
I won't tell you all the history about this world-known-site, but because my father knows so well the Peru civilizations history, I will remind some part of its history. Its very recent history, actually.
We all know (or we should know it) that the Machu Picchu is supposed to be discovered by an american archeologist, named Hiram Bingham, in 1911.
I say "supposed" because the Machu Picchu was not discovered bu Bingham. he was not the first man to go there if we except local Quechuan people living there.
My father told me that, and I found the clue thanks to wiki here:
Simone Waisbard, a long-time researcher of Cusco, claims Enrique Palma, Gabino Sánchez and Agustín Lizárraga left their names engraved on one of the rocks there on July 14, 1901, having re-discovered it before Bingham. Likewise, in 1904 an engineer named Franklin spotted the ruins from a distant mountain. He told Thomas Paine, an English Plymouth Brethren Christian missionary living in the region, about the site. In 1906, Paine and another Brethren missionary named Stuart E McNairn (1867-1956) climbed up to the ruins. Five years later, in 1911, Paine talked with Bingham and outfitted him with guides and mules for journey to the site.
Actually, Bingham was just the first guy to tell all the world about Machu Picchu.
There may have another thing to say about Bingham, a bad thing. He may have stolen several artefacts for his own sake. Moreover, it seems that university of Yale is still keeping several thousands pieces collected in Macchu Picchu from Bingham explorations, and does not want to return them to Peru.
Another thing to know about Machu Picchu.
Machu Picchu is now a protected site. But, can we consider the thousands of people walking around like a threat for the survival of the site ?
So far, about 450 000 people visit the site every year, which represent some 2000 visitors a day, whereas according to Unesco statistics, only 800 visitors would be allowed to visit Machu Picchu.
I was there and I can tell you Machu Picchu will not survive that crowd. Even if they rise the entrance fare (around 18 USD per person). Who have the money ? Who can spend thousands of dollars in Peru in flight, hotel and souvenirs ? Not young people... I saw a lot of senior over there.
And, they will always be able to spend more money in costly fares !
The peruvian government is thinking about opening massively to tourism another site named Choquequirau.
Choquequirau is located about 70 km west from Machu Picchu. It was re-discovered by Bingham. The major problem is due to ... its uneasy access by tourists. Except by walking, you can not go to Choquequirau.
I believe if the peruvian government would supress all kind of massive access (by road) to Machu Picchu, it would reduce in large proportions the number of tourists. The road to Machu Picchu is quite long (about 1h30) from Agua Calientes.
We all know (or we should know it) that the Machu Picchu is supposed to be discovered by an american archeologist, named Hiram Bingham, in 1911.
I say "supposed" because the Machu Picchu was not discovered bu Bingham. he was not the first man to go there if we except local Quechuan people living there.
My father told me that, and I found the clue thanks to wiki here:
Simone Waisbard, a long-time researcher of Cusco, claims Enrique Palma, Gabino Sánchez and Agustín Lizárraga left their names engraved on one of the rocks there on July 14, 1901, having re-discovered it before Bingham. Likewise, in 1904 an engineer named Franklin spotted the ruins from a distant mountain. He told Thomas Paine, an English Plymouth Brethren Christian missionary living in the region, about the site. In 1906, Paine and another Brethren missionary named Stuart E McNairn (1867-1956) climbed up to the ruins. Five years later, in 1911, Paine talked with Bingham and outfitted him with guides and mules for journey to the site.
Actually, Bingham was just the first guy to tell all the world about Machu Picchu.
There may have another thing to say about Bingham, a bad thing. He may have stolen several artefacts for his own sake. Moreover, it seems that university of Yale is still keeping several thousands pieces collected in Macchu Picchu from Bingham explorations, and does not want to return them to Peru.
Another thing to know about Machu Picchu.
Machu Picchu is now a protected site. But, can we consider the thousands of people walking around like a threat for the survival of the site ?
So far, about 450 000 people visit the site every year, which represent some 2000 visitors a day, whereas according to Unesco statistics, only 800 visitors would be allowed to visit Machu Picchu.
I was there and I can tell you Machu Picchu will not survive that crowd. Even if they rise the entrance fare (around 18 USD per person). Who have the money ? Who can spend thousands of dollars in Peru in flight, hotel and souvenirs ? Not young people... I saw a lot of senior over there.
And, they will always be able to spend more money in costly fares !
The peruvian government is thinking about opening massively to tourism another site named Choquequirau.
Choquequirau is located about 70 km west from Machu Picchu. It was re-discovered by Bingham. The major problem is due to ... its uneasy access by tourists. Except by walking, you can not go to Choquequirau.
I believe if the peruvian government would supress all kind of massive access (by road) to Machu Picchu, it would reduce in large proportions the number of tourists. The road to Machu Picchu is quite long (about 1h30) from Agua Calientes.
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