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Walk the ruins of Peru’s most historic site: Machu Picchu
December 4, 2015
Take a
train ride through the Andes
, above the sacred valley and atop the mist of the mountains, to the most historic site of the Inca Empire. Machu Picchu, a
UNESCO World Heritage Site
and one of the
New 7 Wonders of the World
, is one of the most famous, mythical and spiritual sites in the world. Now for the first time, in partnership with the
Peruvian Ministry of Culture
, people across the globe can go on a journey to
Machu Picchu
directly in Google Maps, uncovering its temples, terraces and plazas that have remained intact since the 15th century. People can also explore rare Inca artifacts and expert insights on the
Google Cultural Institute
.
Gazing at the
Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu
more than 2,400 meters above sea level, the site below is a lasting tribute to the power of the Inca Empire. It’s still unclear how the structure composed of behemoth stones was so precisely built without the use of mortar or modern day machinery, but its walls, terraces and stairways weave effortlessly into the mountainside and natural landscape.
Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu, Peru
Standing in the
Templo Principal
, you can imagine how many people have stood at this central gathering place before you. Located at the highest position of the city, this site holds great spiritual meaning to the people of the Citadel. And touring the vast
Plaza Principal
allows you to virtually walk one of the most sacred ceremonial grounds on the site, which once hosted social and religious celebrations for the Inca.
Plaza Principal of Machu Picchu
Within the long and narrow compounds, called kanchas, you can also explore the
Observatorio Astronómico (Intiwatana)
,
Templo del Sol
, and
Templo de las Tres Ventanas
—sites dedicated to
Inti
, the Inca Sun god—or marvel at the architectural complexity of structures like the
Grupo de las Tres Puertas
, whose doors lead to the main square.
Grupo de las Tres Puertas, Machu Picchu, Peru
After virtually touring these sacred and ceremonial spaces, discover more
Wonders of Machu Picchu
on the Google Cultural Institute. You can explore more than 130 Inca artifacts online thanks to the
Museo Macchupicchu at Casa Concha
. In three new online exhibits, the museum's curators share their expert insights on the Inca's daily life and rituals—which are still a subject of great mystery and fascination over 500 years later. Highlights include a perfectly preserved
pair of plates decorated with butterflies
, and an
ingenious device
of strings and cords used for record keeping and accounting. See these rare objects in the context of the museum by taking a
virtual tour
.
Inca accounting device
Whether you visit Machu Picchu via a
train
or hike up the
Inca Trail
, we’d be honored to be your virtual guide through this sacred space. And while in the area, enjoy exploring still more archaeological treasures from this ancient civilization at the
Museo Machupicchu at Casa Concha
, which holds the
largest collection of Inca artifacts in the world
.
Machu Picchu, a true wonder of the world, is now just a
click away
.
Posted by Daniel Filip, Google Maps Tech Lead
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r3hjidv6F60/VmHBCdpFq6I/AAAAAAAARiI/5Uxwk-SXiRI/s1600/historic%2Bsanctuary.png
Daniel Filip
Tech Lead
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