How Long Has Machu Picchu Been a Tourist Destination?

By Michael Ferguson

Machu Picchu is an Inca citadel in the Peruvian Andes that is believed to have been built at the peak of their civilization around 1450 AD. It was abandoned a century later and remained largely unknown until 1911 when American historian Hiram Bingham rediscovered it. Since then, Machu Picchu has become one of the world’s most renowned tourist destinations, with millions of people visiting each year.

Machu Picchu’s popularity with tourists began shortly after its rediscovery by Hiram Bingham in 1911. He brought international attention to the site, and by 1915 it had become a popular destination for archaeologists and historians. However, it wasn’t until the 1950s and 1960s that Machu Picchu became a significant tourist attraction for visitors from all over the world.

In 1981, UNESCO declared Machu Picchu a World Heritage Site, recognizing its cultural and archaeological significance. This further boosted its popularity as a tourist destination, as did the construction of a railway between Cusco and Machu Picchu in the 1980s. As more people became aware of its existence, more travelers began visiting Machu Picchu.

Today, Machu Picchu is one of the most visited sites in South America, with over 1.5 million visitors per year. It has become a symbol of Peru’s ancient culture and history and is considered one of the most important archaeological sites in Latin America. Visitors come from all over the world to marvel at its spectacular ruins and take in its breathtaking views.

Conclusion:

Machu Picchu has been a popular tourist destination since it was rediscovered by Hiram Bingham in 1911. Its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and improved transportation access have helped make it one of South America’s most visited sites today.