Machu Picchu is an Incan citadel built in Peru, high up in the Andes Mountains between the two summits of Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu, dating back to he 15th century. The famous Inca city remains shrouded in mystery as the true purpose of Machu Picchu has never been fully established.  This famous landmark has become one of Peru's most major tourist attractions and receives thousands of visitors every day.

Factsmania has covered some of the most important information and interesting facts about the Machu Picchu for Kids with details and info about the Inca city including the importance of this famous landmark, its history and purpose, where it is located, why is it called the 'Lost City of the Incas', when it was abandoned and when it was found.

Interesting Machu Picchu Facts for Kids:- Our printable fact sheet about the Machu Picchu provides important information and facts for school kids and teachers. Our list of fun facts about the Machu Picchu offers ideal homework help or a useful information guide to this historical landmark which was abandoned by the Incas during the 16th century and was left undiscovered for centuries. Did you know that Machu Picchu is known as the Lost City of the Incas? Do you know why it is classed as an Incan citadel? Do you who discovered the city? Discover some of the most interesting facts about one of world's most famous landmarks.

Interesting Machu Picchu Facts for Kids:- Our free list of Interesting Machu Picchu Facts for Kids is easy to print and includes important facts and information about the ancient citadel of Machu Picchu including theories about its purpose and what it was used for during its time of inhabitance in the 15th Century.

Interesting Machu Picchu Facts for Kids

The Machu Picchu Fact File for Kids:- Construction Date Facts (completion date): circa 1450 *** Abandoned: 16th Century *** Rediscovered: 1911 *** Official Name Facts: The name Machu Picchu is a geographical name deriving from old peak in Quechua (macho means old and pikchu means peak or mountain) *** Nickname Facts: Machu Picchu is nicknamed 'The Lost City of the Incas' *** Location Facts: Machu Picchu is located in Machu Picchu District, Peru ***

Interesting Facts for Kids 1:- What is Machu Picchu?
Machu Picchu is one of the famous Inca cities. Built during the 15th century, it was abandoned one century later and remained unknown to the public until 1911. It is one of the most visited Inca sites.

Interesting Facts for Kids 2:- Where is Machu Picchu?
Machu Picchu is situated on a mountain ridge above the Sacred Valley. It is located 80 kilometres northwest from Cuzco, in the Cusco Region belonging to Urubamba Province from Machu Picchu District in Peru. The site became known as 'The Lost City of the Incas' as it remained undiscovered for many years, hidden amongst the dense Peruvian rainforest.

Interesting Facts for Kids 3:- What is the history of the Machu Picchu?
The incredible history of the Machu Picchu dates back to the 15th century. It is believed that the famous Inca city was built around 1450 but was abandoned 100 years later, in 1572 as a result of the Spanish Conquest. It is also believed that it was built for the Inca Emperor Pachacuti (1438-1472). After it was abandoned, it was never inhabited again, and people forgot about it until 1911 when it was discovered by the archaeologist Hiram Bingham. In 1976, 30% of the Machu Picchu complex was restored. In 1981 Machu Picchu was declared a Peruvian Historical Sanctuary. In 1983, the Incan Citadel became an UNESCO World Heritage Site and in 2007 was declared one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

Interesting Facts for Kids 4:- Why was Machu Picchu built?
It is not known why Machu Picchu was built. There are some theories, but none of them provide enough evidence to prove its purpose. One of the most discussed theory is Machu Picchu’s role as a secret sanctuary city, or sacred place. It is believed that it may have been an astronomical observatory. The Intihuatana stone is a precise indicator of the 2 equinoxes and other astronomical events.

Interesting Facts for Kids 5:- When was Machu Picchu built?
Machu Picchu was built in the mid-15th century by order of the Inca Emperor Pachacuti. Some stories say that the Emperor wanted to build this city in order to celebrate his victory against the Chancas, their powerful rival group. The work continued, but after 100 years it was abandoned. Machu Picchu is a project that was never finished although it remained in Pachacuti's successor's administration.

Interesting Facts for Kids 6:-  Who made Machu Picchu?
Machu Picchu was built during the reign of Inca Emperor Pachacuti, meaning 'earth shaker'. He ordered the construction of this ancient city. After Pachacuti's death, Topa Inca and Huyana Capac, his successors for sure visited the city but they did not live there. Maintenance and administration became panaka's (Emperor's loyal people) responsibility.

Interesting Facts for Kids 7:- When was Machu Picchu abandoned?
The Inca city was abandoned after the Spanish Conquista, somewhere after 1532. This is when the Spanish arrived in Peru. Between 1524 and 1526 there was a large small pox epidemic that killed 2/3 of the population. Furthermore, the Inca Empire became victim to a secession civil war.

Interesting Facts for Kids 8:- When was Machu Picchu found?
In 1911, the American historian Hiram Birgham discovered Machu Picchu when he organized a Yale Peruvian Expedition. He wanted to find what was supposed to be the Inca capital- Vitcos. When he was camping in Mandor Pampa, he asked one of the locals if he knew of any ruins nearby. The local led him to Huyana Picchu Mountain where he found a few people farming there. He met Richarte and Alvarez, two of the people living there. Asking the same question, if there were any ruins nearby, Alvarez's 11 years old boy, Pablito, showed Hiram the ruins.

Interesting Facts for Kids 9:- Why is Machu Picchu called the Lost City?
When Harim Birgham started his journey, he was looking for Vitcos, the capital. After he found Machu Picchu, he started to think that he had found Vitcos, but some details didn't make sense to him. That's why he thought that he had found Vilcabamba, the city where supposedly, Manco Inca and his court retreated after the siege of Cusco in 1536. This is the reason why Harim Birgham published a book, called 'The Lost City of Inca' referring to the Incan Citadel of Machu Picchu. Later on, he discovered also Vilcabamba, and realized that he was wrong.

Interesting Facts for Kids 10:- Why is Machu Picchu important?
The archaeological site of Machu Picchu is important as it was rapidly abandoned and remained uninhabited until its discovery in 1911. When the Incan Citadel was found, it was perfectly preserved. The architecture is very visible, and most of the site is still intact. Machu Picchu is important because it offers new leads about the history of the Inca Empire - religion, beliefs, culture, crafting and architecture.

Interesting Facts for Kids 11:-  Who lived in Machu Picchu?
Machu Picchu was inhabited by Incas, but there is no important name connected with this archaeological site, except for the Emperor who built it. It is approximated that this ancient city may have sheltered 750-1000 people, but this capacity was never reached. Archaeologists discovered 244 skeletons of which 135 were male and 109 female.

Interesting Facts for Kids 12:-  What is the Intihuatana Stone at Machu Picchu?
The Intihuatana Stone is a ceremonious ritual stone shrouded in mystery. The stone has four sides and is situated at the top of a sacred mountain in Machu Picchu. The name 'Intihuatana' means hitching post of the sun. Many believe that the stone is associated with the astronomic clock or calendar of the Inca empire.

Interesting Facts for Kids 13:-  What is the mystery of Machu Picchu?
Unfortunately, lack of documentation about the short-lived ancient city of Machu Picchu means that facts and information is limited. Machu Picchu is a mystery from where it's name originated to the reason and purpose for why it was built. Although there are some hypotheses, no one can tell for sure why the ancient Incan citadel was abandoned.

Interesting Facts for Kids 14:- What is the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu?
Italian archaeoastronomer Giulio Magli claims a new theory which seems to meet the approval of many people. It seems that the Inca Trail served as a ceremonial path between Cusco and Machu Picchu. It was an analogy to the Inca Origin's - the first Incas who left the Island of the Sun in Lake Titicaca. This trail was supposed to prepare pilgrims to enter Machu Picchu. It is thought that the end of the pilgrimage occurred with pilgrims climbing the steps to the Intihuatana Stone, the spiritual core of the city.

Interesting Facts for Kids 15:- What does Machu Picchu mean?
Machu Picchu's real name is not known. Machu Picchu is more a geographical name, depicting the area. Machu Picchu mean 'old peak' in Quechua - macho means old and pikchu means peak or mountain. Pikchu can also refer to something that has a large base with sharp peaks.

Interesting Facts for Kids 16:-  How many tourists visit the Machu Picchu each year?
As this famous landmark is a high touristic attraction, Machu Picchu receives about 5000 visitors per day. This means that in one year, Machu Picchu attracts over 1 million visitors. A visit to this popular tourist attraction can work out quite expensive considering that you need transportation to Machu Picchu and a tour guide.

Interesting Facts for Kids 17:- What is the elevation of Machu Picchu?
The ancient site of Machu Picchu is located on the crest of Machu Picchu Mountain. Its elevation is high as the Incan Citadel is situated at approximately 2430 meters (7970 feet) above sea level.

Interesting Facts for Kids 18:-  What is the nearest airport to Machu Picchu?
Tourists who want to visit Machu Picchu can fly there as the nearest airport is located in Cusco. Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport is Peru's second busiest airport.

Interesting Facts for Kids 19:-  What is the weather like in Machu Picchu?
There are 2 seasons to consider when visiting Machu Picchu; the wet season and the dry season. The area often receives rainfall, even during the dry season. The only real distinction between the seasons is a slight change of temperature and less rainfall.

Interesting Facts for Kids 20:-  When is the best time to visit Machu Picchu?
Due to the climate, it is best to visit Machu Picchu in June, July or August when the middle of the dry season occurs. The weather is generally better during these months, the temperature is not too high and there's less chance of rain. Also, more importantly than anything, the Inca Trail is open but due to high demand and popularity, tourists are advised to ask for permit availability if they want to visit the Inca Trail.   As June, July and August are typically the best months to visit Machu Picchu, many tourists reserve months ahead.

Interesting Machu Picchu Facts for Kids

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