The Discovery of Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu
In 1911 Hiram Bingham set out in search of the “lost city” of the Incas. While searching, Bingham came across the amazing find of Machu Picchu, now the most visited site in Peru. He went on to find the “last city” of the Incas at Vilcabamba, deep in the jungle beyond Machu Picchu. In these searches, it was hoped that large stores of gold and silver would be found. In fact, very little of the precious ores was found; rather the numerous artifacts were mainly skulls and bones, pottery, and tools.
Peru will be celebrating the 100th anniversary of Bingham’s “discovery” all year, but the big event will be on July 7th, the date that Machu Picchu was named as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World (in 2007). Other grand celebrations will occur on and around July 24, the actual anniversary of the “discovery.”
Special Anniversary Trip
A special 100th anniversary tour to Machu Picchu will take us to Machu Picchu on July 24, 2011, the 100th Anniversary of the discovery of the famous citadel by Hiram Bingham! The tour will be escorted by Christopher Heaney, author of several books about Hiram Bingham. This is a unique opportunity for anyone who wants an in-depth knowledge of the famous citadel!
Dates for this special trip are July 20-26, 2011. We can also provide additional side trips before or after this itinerary if you would like to do so.
The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
In 1915, as workers continued to clear brush and excavate Machu Picchu, Hiram Bingham also traveled an old Inca path, over passes, along the ridges, and through jungle, arriving at Machu Picchu. This path is now known as the Inca Trail, a route that trekkers enjoy today by the hundreds!
There are strict regulations for the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu trek, including a limited number of permits (500 each day), to preserve the trail and surroundings for future visitors to enjoy. Permits for 2011 are sold out through June and half of the dates in July. Contact us for availability. If you can travel in September or October, you will have excellent weather and fewer crowds!
The Train to Machu Picchu
The easiest way to get to Machu Picchu is by train. The Vistadome Train ride starts in Cusco or Ollantaytambo and goes along the Urubamba River, arriving in Aguas Calientes the town at the base of Machu Picchu’s ridge. A shuttle bus takes you to the entrance to Machu Picchu and you will enjoy a guided tour of the famous citadel. Your guide will be very knowledgable about the Inca culture, the history of the site and the experiences of Hiram Bingham.
Stay overnight in Aguas Calientes, and go early the next morning to avoid the crowds that come on the train, and get great photos! You can hike to Inti Punku (sun gate) where the Inca Trail trekkers arrive, or climb Wayna Picchu to get a different view of the ruins. You need a ticket to climb Wayna Picchu; it is free but there is a limited supply. And early start will ensure a ticket! These extra hikes are possible with the two-day Train to Machu Picchu excursion.
The Peru/Yale Controversy
Space does not allow a full discussion of the controversy that has strained relations between Peru and the USA (specifically Yale University). When Hiram Bingham cleared, dug, and found caves and buildings, he took bones, pottery shards, and other artifacts and shipped them to the USA, giving them to Yale. Later, Peru asked for them back, feeling that these artifacts belong in the country where they were found. Yale would not return them. After 100 years, and many long discussions and court proceedings, an agreement has been reached where Yale will return most of the artifacts to Peru. Most of these will be housed in a new museum in the Cusco vicinity.