Introduction: Unraveling the mystery behind Machu Picchu’s nickname.

Machu Picchu is commonly known as the Lost City due to the circumstances surrounding its abandonment and rediscovery. The site lay hidden in the mountains for centuries and was forgotten by the outside world until its rediscovery by Hiram Bingham in 1911. But why did the city become lost in the first place? And what led to its rediscovery?

Abandonment: The city’s desertion by the Inca people.

Machu Picchu was built by the Inca people in the 15th century, but it was abandoned just over 100 years later during the Spanish conquest of Peru. The Inca people left the city without a clear explanation, and it remained hidden in the mountains for centuries, slowly being overtaken by the jungle.

Rediscovery: Hiram Bingham’s exploration and documentation in 1911.

In 1911, American explorer Hiram Bingham rediscovered Machu Picchu after being led there by a local farmer. Bingham’s expedition was a major breakthrough in the exploration of the region, and his documentation of the site captured the attention of the world.

Isolation: Remote location and limited access.

Machu Picchu’s location in the Andes Mountains made it difficult to access and contributed to its isolation. The site is surrounded by steep cliffs, dense jungle, and raging rivers, making it challenging for outsiders to discover or reach. This, combined with the Inca people’s decision to abandon the city, ultimately led to it becoming lost.

Forgotten history: The passage of time and the preservation of the site.

As the centuries passed, the history of Machu Picchu was slowly forgotten. The city remained hidden in the mountains, slowly being overtaken by the jungle, until its rediscovery by Hiram Bingham. The fact that the site was abandoned and left to decay for so long contributed to its status as the Lost City.

Conclusion: Understanding the factors that led to Machu Picchu being called the Lost City.

In conclusion, Machu Picchu became known as the Lost City due to a combination of factors, including its abandonment by the Inca people, its remote location and limited access, and the passage of time that caused its history to be forgotten. The rediscovery of the site by Hiram Bingham in 1911 helped to bring the Lost City back into the global consciousness and make it the popular tourist destination that it is today.