The Machu Picchu elevation is a stunning 8,040 feet, and for many years it has been the center of tourism in Peru. Yearly the tourist visits alone provide income to the locals through guided tours and merely the entrance tickets alone help the country to not only survive but to thrive. Even in the early 15th century, the height of the Machu Picchu is regarded by the Incas to be special, and that is why they have considered it to settle there and make it as their sacred land. The location provides serenity within the mountains, and the walls provide a sanctuary for spirituality.
But there are other places in the world that can match the Machu Picchu elevation. Some does not even match it alone, but they surpass it. For one, France houses the city of Val Thorens, which is a staggering 10,564 feet. This city is situated at the Tarentaise Valley in Savoie—which in the actual French Alps. Because of its location, it is a very convenient ski resort and the highest in all of Europe. The first development of Val Thorens as a ski resort was birthed in the 1960s, when a group of people thought that it has the potential to be one.
Another city that can beat the Machu Picchu elevation is Kurush, in Russia. It has a towering 8,134 feet, which is just shying over a hundred feet taller than that of Machu Picchu. Though little is known of the city because of the limited information available for the people, Kurush is the city that is referred to as one of the extreme elevations and extreme points in Russia. Russia, being a closed country, does not have the tourism to market or advertise these kinds of places within their territory.
The Damal city in Turkey is not as high as the Machu Picchu elevation but it is close. Its elevation is 7,217 feet—not bad at all. Previously, Damal is called Petereke. And it is a town in the province of Ardahan. Posof and Kars is near to this city. On the way to the famous Silk Road, you will pass by Damal. It actually connects the European are of Caucasus to Asia’s center. For a long period of time, Damal was ruled over by different conquerors—the Ottoman Turks, the Byzantines, then before that were the Ancient Romans, and past that were the Persians and the Medes.
The city that is only a feet below Damal which is also close to the Machu Picchu elevation is Ushguli in Georgia. Its height ranges to 7,216 feet. It claims to be the highest community of villages in Europe. It actually has four villages, which is pretty spectacular considering it is at a high place. It sits at Shkhara’s foot, which belongs to the list of the tallest Caucasian peaks. The villages have 200 people and roughly 70 families, and their number is good enough to build schools for their children. The climate is tolerable even if half of the year the area is covered in snow.
Hiking Wayna Picchu: