Machu Picchu facts are not the most popular tidbits of information, mainly because the site has not been widely known to everybody, just as its physical location. But it really pays to know the facts about this historical site that has been the icon of the extinct yet great Inca Empire. Being the largest empire of the pre-Columbian era, the almost hidden mystery behind the ruins astonishes people today.

While some may be hooked to the idea that Machu Picchu is only a history, here are some of the amazing Machu Picchu facts that can prove that Machu Picchu is timeless.

The first of the Machu Picchu facts is that the people who lived at there were the best masons. Buildings at the site are so well-built, that anyone would be wondering how the early Inca people built all of those. But, since it is also known that the Incas are considered to be some of the most proficient masons, it is quite not understandable how they were able to build all the stone buildings with such accuracy, that even a thin steel blade will not be able to fit between the stacks of stones.

Another fact is about the construction of the city, which was well-planned and is advanced compared to other societies during that time. Since Machu Picchu is a peak and living there is already challenging, having 150 buildings constructed is phenomenal. The Incas, who were about 500 to 700 in population, were able to build houses, sanctuaries, temples, and baths.

The site is not only a historical location, but an astronomical observatory. The Machu Picchu has a stone that is able to identify the equinoxes. That stone is called the Intihuatana and is considered to be sacred by the Incas. In two magical times a year, the sun hits the stone without creating a shadow.

There are only two Hollywood movies that dared to shoot in the place. The film Secret of the Incas is the first to take the heights of Machu Picchu to a whole new level. Paramount Pictures was the first to embrace the challenge of the weather at the site in 1954. The second film that featured Machu Picchu is The Motorcycle Diaries, which was in 2004. This movie is about Che Guevara, a Marxist revolutionary. It chronicles his travels in 1952.

Machu Picchu is one of the last Seven Wonders of the World. In 2007 the New 7 Wonders Foundation announced that Machu Picchu is included in the final list of the New 7 Wonders of the World. Because of this distinction, Peru was ultimately proud. The same honor was also given to the Great Wall of China, the Taj Mahal, the city of Petra, Chichen, the Colosseum, and Christ the Redeemer. The Great Pyramid of Giza was an honorary candidate.