One of the Seven Wonders of the World: Machu Picchu

Photo credit: Virginia Taylor

Machu Picchu is an important Peruvian tourist attraction that has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Revealed to the outside world in 1911 by US historian Hiram Bingham, Machu Picchu has been a source of wonder ever since. Even today as anthropologists continue to research this sacred ground, lingering questions remain about the ancient city and its relevance to Inca history. It’s no surprise that hundreds of thousands of intrigued travelers visit Machu Picchu every year to see for themselves what the world is talking about.

ASA hosts one study abroad program in the mountain city of Cuzco, Peru, only a short trip from the infamous “Lost City of the Incas” that is Machu Picchu. As ASA continues to further develop these programs we constantly wonder how we can improve how our students understand both the historic and present cultures of Peru. Regardless, a trip to Machu Picchu is a must. Don’t be turned off by the tourist chatter - Machu Picchu lives up to the hype it creates. Breath-taking and awe-inspiring, you won’t regret your train ride or trek to the most important symbol of the Inca Empire. It will remind you why you were inclined to study in Peru in the first place – it is a magical place with so much to offer for whatever experience you’re interested in pursuing. Between the bustling cities and serene mountain towns, you’ll never go hungry for cultural stimulation. Oh yeah, and the ceviche isn’t bad either!

Check out the Los Angeles Times Travel section as it released 1 fact a day to reach 100 facts about Machu Picchu 100 years after its discovery: http://articles.latimes.com/2011/jul/01/news/la-trb-machu-picchu-fact78-20110623