PERU CELEBRATES 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE DISCOVERY OF MACHU PICCHU

This month, Peruvians are celebrating the centennial anniversary of the discovery of 15^th century architectural-marvel-turned-tourist-attraction Machu Picchu by American adventurer Hiram Bingham.

The term discovery is used loosely, as local farmers and other travelers had known about the city of carved stone structures for years, but Bingham revealed Machu Picchu to the rest of the world by bringing back with him artifacts which he studied at Yale and by sharing his discovery in National Geographic after he arrived at the site on July 24, 1911.

Despite the 100 years that have passed since the discovery, relatively little is known for certain about the “lost city.”  Historians and archeologists still debate as to what the site was used for—some think it was a fortress, others a vacation spot for the Incan emperor, and still others believe it was a sacred ground for the indigenous people.  However, it is the lingering mystery about this UNESCO World Heritage Site that intrigues most people.

To celebrate the centennial, celebrations have been planned including Andean dances, concerts, parades, rituals, and academic conferences.  Peru’s 10-sol bills will also now feature Machu Picchu.  The events scheduled have been spectacular—with the main celebration taking place the week of July 7—as this anniversary is an important cultural celebration for the Peruvian people.