Mist curling around ancient stone terraces, emerald peaks piercing the clouds, and a city so perfectly tucked into the Andes it feels like a secret whispered by the mountains.
Welcome to Machu Picchu, Peru’s crown jewel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
Every year, over 1.5 million travelers brave jungle treks, winding bus rides, or plush train journeys to gawk at this Incan masterpiece.
However, who really discovered this iconic site? History loves to slap the crown on American explorer Hiram Bingham, who “found” Machu Picchu in 1911. Spoiler alert: a Peruvian farmer named Agustín Lizárraga got there first, and the locals? They never lost it.
So, why don’t you fasten your seatbelts, while we dive into the juicy history, wild theories, and why Machu Picchu is the ultimate bucket list adventure, complete with tips to make your trip epic!
Hiram Bingham: The Fedora-Wearing Fame Grabber
To begin with, allow me to introduce Hiram Bingham III, a Yale lecturer known for his adventurous spirit and a persona reminiscent of the inspiration behind the character of Indiana Jones.
Born in Honolulu in 1875 to missionary parents, Bingham was not an archaeologist; rather, he was a historian driven by a passion for uncovering the secrets of South America.
In 1911, he led a Yale University-funded expedition to Peru, chasing the mythical “Lost City of the Incas,” Vilcabamba, the final hideout of the Inca Empire after the Spanish conquest.
With his trusty vintage maps, well-loved journals, and a strong spirit, Bingham embarked on an incredible journey.
The Discovery Day
For instance, on July 24, 1911, he ventured through the lush jungles of the Urubamba Valley. Along the way, a kind Quechua farmer named Melchor Arteaga guided him to a stunning mountain ridge wrapped in mist.
Picture Bingham carefully crossing a wobbly log bridge over the roaring Urubamba River, heart pounding, with a local boy and a Peruvian policeman by his side.
When he reached the top, he was greeted by a breathtaking sight: a beautiful citadel filled with granite temples, grand palaces, and terraced gardens, all wrapped in vines, like something out of a fairy tale.
Bingham thought he had found a great treasure—Vilcabamba itself. (There’s an interesting twist to this story: he was mistaken, but we’ll get to that later.)
His 1913 article in National Geographic, with stunning photographs, made Machu Picchu a fascinating destination for people around the world. Then, his 1948 book, Lost City of the Incas, helped to further establish his legacy.
Today, travelers enjoy rides on the Hiram Bingham Luxury Train or drive along the Hiram Bingham Highway, both named to honor him.
It’s also nice to remember that Bingham was not the first person to discover Machu Picchu. The local community had known about this amazing site long before he arrived.
Agustín Lizárraga: The Peruvian Who Beat Him to It
Following, let’s go back to July 14, 1902—nine years before Bingham’s big moment. Enter Agustín Lizárraga, a Cusco-born farmer and explorer who wasn’t chasing glory, just new land to farm.
Alongside his cousin Enrique Palma Ruiz and worker Toribio Recharte, Lizárraga was hacking through the Urubamba Valley’s jungle when he stumbled upon Machu Picchu’s stone walls, half-swallowed by vegetation.
Without any fanfare or Yale funding, it was simply a man with a machete experiencing a moment of discovery. Lizárraga inscribed his name on the Temple of the Three Windows:
“A. Lizárraga, 14 de julio de 1902.” When Bingham visited Machu Picchu in 1911, he noticed the inscription and noted in his journal that Lizárraga was the “discoverer.”
So, why isn’t Lizárraga widely recognized? The answer is straightforward: he lacked Bingham’s promotional resources. Without the National Geographic Society or a global platform, his story faded into obscurity.
Others in the Mix: The Locals Knew All Along
Machu Picchu was never truly lost to local communities. Indigenous Quechua families cultivated their terraces when Bingham arrived, likely puzzled by his excitement over their familiar landscape.
Earlier explorers left behind evidence of the site’s significance. German adventurer Augusto Berns, for example, explored the area in the 1860s, taking artifacts.
A 1874 map pinpointed the location, and in 1875, French traveler Charles Wiener heard stories about “Huainapicchu” and “Matchopicchu”.
Baltasar de Ocampo, a 16th-century Spanish conquistador, described a mountaintop palace with intricate stonework, undoubtedly Machu Picchu.
Bingham’s “discovery” was actually a rediscovery, amplified by his Western perspective and masterful storytelling.
Why Machu Picchu is a Tourist Magnet
By 2025, Machu Picchu will be Peru’s top attraction, drawing in adventure seekers, history buffs, and social media influencers.
At 7,970 feet, its 200 structures, including the Temple of the Sun, Temple of the Condor, and gravity-defying terraces, showcase Incan engineering expertise.
The scenery boasts lush forests, rugged peaks, and an enchanting atmosphere that transports visitors to a fantasy world.
In 2019, 1.5 million visitors pumped money into Peru’s economy, transforming Aguas Calientes into a thriving hub of hostels, seafood restaurants, and markets selling high-quality alpaca sweaters.
The journey to Machu Picchu is an adventure. For example, the four-day Inca Trail hike is a must-do, winding through cloud forests and ancient ruins with stunning views.
Those seeking comfort can enjoy gourmet dining and cocktails on the Hiram Bingham Luxury Train, which travels from Cusco to Aguas Calientes.
Budget travelers can take buses along the winding Hiram Bingham Highway for a thrilling ride. Secure your Inca Trail permit six months in advance and aim for a morning entry to Machu Picchu to avoid crowds and experience a magical sunrise.
However, mass tourism poses a threat. With crowds of up to 2,500 visitors daily, the site’s fragile stonework is at risk.
Likewise, Peru has implemented entry limits, banned selfie sticks, and requires guides to promote sustainable practices.
The local community in Aguas Calientes relies on tourism, but unchecked urban expansion will ruin the area’s charm.
Responsible travel practices, such as sticking to designated paths, supporting local guides, and avoiding overpriced souvenirs, will preserve this incredible site for generations to come.
Theories That Keep Us Guessing
Additionally, Machu Picchu’s purpose is a puzzle that keeps archaeologists and tourists buzzing. Built around 1450 under Inca emperor Pachacuti, it was abandoned during the Spanish conquest in the 1530s.
Probably, he hid from the conquistadors from his remote perch. No written records exist (thanks, oral tradition-loving Incas), so theories abound:
Royal Getaway: Many scholars believe this was Pachacuti’s private estate, a luxurious retreat for royalty. Its compact size (accommodating 300 to 1,000 people) and exquisite stonework, such as the curved Temple of the Sun, convey a sense of exclusivity.
Sacred Spot: Some propose it served as a spiritual center or mausoleum for Pachacuti’s mummy, which holds significant importance in Inca culture. Its alignment with solstices and sacred mountains supports this theory.
Trade or Defense Post: Artifacts from various regions of Peru indicate it may have functioned as a trade hub or fortress. The self-sustaining terraces and water channels suggest it was designed for resilience.
Secret City: Could it have been a hidden refuge from invaders? A discovery in 2014 by explorer Thierry Jamin of a sealed door hints at an unopened royal tomb, though it remains locked to safeguard the site.
Similarly, Bingham thought it was Vilcabamba, the Incas’ last stand, but archaeologist Gene Savoy proved in 1964 that Vilcabamba was Espíritu Pampa, a larger ruin nearby. Machu Picchu’s true purpose? We may never know, and that mystery is part of its charm.
The Artifact Drama and Ethical Questions
Bingham’s legacy has a dark side. He carted off 40,000 artifacts—pottery, bones, even mummies—to Yale, with Peru’s okay at the time.
Peru later raised concerns, stating that it was a loan rather than a gift. After years of legal disputes, Yale returned thousands of items by 2012, but the debate over “looting” continues.
Bingham’s “lost Inca city” narrative also sidelined indigenous knowledge, framing Machu Picchu as a Western discovery.
Lizárraga and local farmers knew it was there, yet colonial storytelling gave Bingham the mic. It’s a reminder to honor the full history—Inca builders, Quechua locals, and unsung heroes like Lizárraga.
Machu Picchu Keeps Stealing Hearts
In conclusion, Machu Picchu is more than just a collection of ruins; it serves as a remarkable time capsule. Its earthquake-resistant stonework, crafted without iron tools or wheels, exemplifies the ingenuity of the Incas.
With 60 percent of its engineering underground—featuring advanced drainage systems and solid foundations—it remains remarkably resilient.
Whether you’re hiking to the Sun Gate, reflecting by the Intihuatana stone, or navigating around playful llamas for that perfect photo, the site is brimming with stories.
For visitors, it’s a journey of a lifetime. Whether you choose the challenging Inca Trail, the comfortable train ride, or the thrilling bus journey, each route to Machu Picchu offers its own adventure.
The local community adds a personal touch, sharing Quechua stories and guiding you through the rich history.
While Lizárraga may have discovered Machu Picchu first and Bingham brought it to the world’s attention, it was the Incas who constructed it, leaving a lasting legacy.
So, lace up your hiking boots, follow the guidelines, and consider tipping your guide. Machu Picchu is not just a destination; it’s an experience, a mystery, and a tribute to human creativity. Go create unforgettable memories.
Finally, Viagens Machu Picchu invites you to discover Peru uniquely with our assistance! So, please, feel free to contact us to learn about our promotions, tours, and best deals! Don’t hold on too long, the Inca adventure in Peru awaits!
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