Logo
Browse
Pricing
Log In
Start free
Back

Machu Picchu Facts for Kids

Machu Picchu is a significant cultural and historical site of the Inca civilization, symbolizing their engineering prowess and spiritual connection to nature.

Overview

Flora And Fauna

Legends And Myths

Cultural Significance

Visiting Machu Picchu

History Of Machu Picchu

Research And Discoveries

Tourism And Conservation

Architecture And Engineering

main image
Machu Picchu

Inside this Article

World Heritage Site

Learn more >

Quechua People

Learn more >

Andean Condor

Learn more >

Civilization

Learn more >

Imagination

Learn more >

Technology

Learn more >

Community

Learn more >

Astronomy

Learn more >

Beauty

Learn more >

Did you know?

🌄 Machu Picchu is often referred to as the 'Lost City of the Incas' due to its stunning preservation and remote location.

🏛️ Its architectural style reflects the ingenuity of the Inca civilization, harmonizing with the surrounding landscape.

🌍 Machu Picchu is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for its cultural and historical significance.

🗿 The site is believed to have been a royal estate or religious retreat in the 15th century.

🔧 Machu Picchu showcases advanced Inca engineering, including agricultural terraces and intricate stonework.

🧗‍♂️ The site attracts millions of visitors annually, promoting cultural exchange and awareness of Incan heritage.

🎉 Festivals and rituals are sometimes celebrated at Machu Picchu, connecting contemporary Peruvians to their ancestral roots.

📜 Machu Picchu is a vital part of Peruvian national identity, symbolizing resilience and cultural pride.

💃 The local Quechua people, the descendants of the Incas, share their traditions and teachings in the vicinity of Machu Picchu.

🌟 The site's spiritual significance continues to attract those seeking connection with Andean spirituality and history.

Introduction

Machu Picchu is a famous ancient city located high in the Andes Mountains of Peru 🇵🇪. It sits about 2,430 meters (7,970 feet) above sea level and was built over 500 years ago by the Inca civilization. Known as the "Lost City of the Incas," it was hidden from the outside world until it was rediscovered by explorer Hiram Bingham in 1911. Machu Picchu is an incredible example of Inca culture, architecture, and engineering, attracting millions of visitors each year who want to see its stunning ruins surrounded by breathtaking scenery 🌄.
Read Less

Flora And Fauna

Machu Picchu is surrounded by a rich variety of plants and animals 🌳🐾. The area is home to over 200 species of orchids and various unique plants, like the q'oa tree. You might also spot llamas roaming freely, which are important to the local culture. While exploring, you can see many colorful birds, such as the Andean condor, the largest bird in the world with a wingspan of 3 meters (10 feet)! The biodiversity of the area makes it a special place to study nature 🌼.
Read Less

Legends And Myths

Many legends surround Machu Picchu! One popular story is that it was a place where Inca princesses were trained for royalty 👸. Another myth suggests that the city was built overnight by a giant. Local folklore also talks about mystical creatures, like the "Apus," which are mountain spirits that protect the land. These stories capture the imagination and illustrate how significant Machu Picchu is to those who live there. They teach us that places can hold many meanings and histories 🌈.
Read Less

Cultural Significance

Machu Picchu is an important symbol of Inca culture and history. It reflects the Incas' relationship with nature and their mastery of architecture and agriculture 🌞. The site is often seen as a sacred place, where many ceremonies and offerings to the sun god, Inti, took place. This connection with the spiritual world remains significant for the local Quechua people. Understanding Machu Picchu helps us learn about the achievements of the Inca civilization and how they lived in harmony with their environment 🌍.
Read Less

Visiting Machu Picchu

If you want to visit Machu Picchu, you must travel to Peru 🇵🇪! Tourists often take a train from Cusco to Aguas Calientes, the closest town to the site. From there, visitors must hike or take a bus to the entrance. It’s important to book tickets in advance because the number of visitors is limited 💳. When you get there, you can explore the breathtaking ruins, take guided tours, and learn about the history of the Incas. Remember to respect the site and follow the rules to help preserve its beauty for future generations! 🥾🌄
Read Less

History Of Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu was built around the year 1450 under the reign of Inca Emperor Pachacuti 👑. It served as a royal estate and a religious site. The Incas were very skilled builders and made use of local stone to create impressive structures. The city was abandoned just over 100 years later during the Spanish Conquest. It remained hidden in the jungle for centuries until Bingham brought it into the spotlight. Today, Machu Picchu is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for its historical importance and stunning beauty 🏰.
Read Less

Research And Discoveries

Many archaeologists and historians study Machu Picchu to learn more about the Inca civilization 🔍. New discoveries are still being made, like ancient burial sites and agricultural tools. Researchers use technology, such as drones and 3D mapping, to understand how the city was built and used. The findings at Machu Picchu give us valuable insights into Inca life, farming methods, and their advanced knowledge of astronomy. Each discovery tells a part of the fascinating story of this ancient civilization 📚.
Read Less

Tourism And Conservation

Every year, millions of tourists visit Machu Picchu, drawn by its beauty and history! 🌏🏔️ However, with so many visitors, it’s important to take care of this special place. To protect it, strict rules are in place. Tourists can only visit in small groups and must stay on designated paths. Conservation efforts aim to maintain the ruins, support the local community, and ensure that future generations can enjoy Machu Picchu. Being a responsible tourist helps preserve its magic for everyone 🌟.
Read Less

Architecture And Engineering

The architecture of Machu Picchu is remarkable! The Incas built it using a technique called "ashlar," where stones fit together perfectly without the use of mortar 🔗. This makes the buildings strong and resistant to earthquakes 🌪️! Key structures include the Temple of the Sun, the Intihuatana stone (used for astronomy and religious ceremonies), and the agricultural terraces. Machu Picchu also features advanced water management systems, with fountains and aqueducts that kept the city hydrated. The beauty and ingenuity of its construction show just how smart the Incas were! 🛠

️
Read Less

Machu Picchu Quiz

Q1What is Machu Picchu often referred to as?
The Incas' Capital
The Lost City of the Incas
An Inca Temple
A Colonial Town
Question 1 of 10
Next

Related Articles

Salalah

Salalah

Cities

Mount Kinabalu

Mount Kinabalu

Mountains

Butuan

Butuan

Cities

Holguín

Holguín

Cities

Frequently Asked Questions

Is DIY back?!
How do I reactivate my account?
How do I sign up?
Are the android and iOS apps coming back?
What is DIY?
What is a “Challenge” on DIY?
What is a “Course” on DIY?
What are “Skills” on DIY?
What if I'm new to all this—where do I begin?
Do I need special materials or equipment?
Is DIY safe for kids?
Can I collaborate with other DIYers on a project?
How do Mentors, Mods, and Jr. Mods help us?
What is DIY?
What's the recommended age for DIY?

Start your 7 day free trial

Continue with Google

Continue with Apple

Continue with Email

Our Mission

To create a safe space for kid creators worldwide!

Challenges

Photograph a Landscape
Draw a Food Monster
Make Fluffy Slime
Build a Catapult
The 30 Day Project
Introduce Yourself in Another Language

See more

Skills

Illustration
Painting
Cooking
Gaming
Rocketry
Photography
Mechanical Engineering

See more

Activities

Activities for Kids
Indoor Activities for Kids
Outdoor Activities for Kids
Summer Activities for Kids
AI Homework Helper
Would you rather?

Company

About
Blog
Terms of Service
Privacy Policy
Community Guidelines
FAQ
Download on AppStoreDownload on Google Play

2025, URSOR LIMITED. All rights reserved. DIY is in no way affiliated with Minecraft™, Mojang, Microsoft, Roblox™ or YouTube. LEGO® is a trademark of the LEGO® Group which does not sponsor, endorse or authorize this website or event. Made with love in San Francisco.