Markahuamachuco Review: Northern Peru’s Machu Picchu
Think of Peru, and you pretty quickly conjure up images of Machu Picchu, that world-famous mountaintop citadel. Did you know, though, that there is another quite impressive, ancient ruin in Peru, way up north? Markahuamachuco, sometimes dubbed “the Northern Machu Picchu,” is actually a massive pre-Inca site. Honestly, It has only begun to get the attention it definitely deserves. I thought I could bring more information to the world by covering its incredible scale, important history, and things I noticed during my visit.
A Look Back at Markahuamachuco’s History
Very different from the structures built by the Inca civilization, Markahuamachuco was constructed by the Huamachuco people. I will say, they started building their homes way back, around 200 AD! The culture here went on for a long time, staying strong all the way until around 1300 AD, that is before the Incas started taking over, you know? Markahuamachuco stood more or less untouched during that time, this impressive city-center and hub.
After conquering the area, the Inca, interestingly, still used it and also valued Markahuamachuco. The archeological findings that I viewed seemed to indicate that they didn’t dramatically change or remodel it, though. As the Inca empire fell with the arrival of the Spanish, so, too, did Markahuamachuco’s importance fade into pretty much only a local memory. What’s quite interesting to think about, the site was basically forgotten by the larger population for hundreds of years, and so it just sat there quietly.
What is quite unique, Markahuamachuco differs pretty distinctly from the architecture that the Inca were building down in the Cusco area, and that makes it quite significant. It wasn’t built with the type of perfectly fit stonework seen at Machu Picchu; this is quite interesting, so, instead, it has imposing walls that have been built from rough-cut stone. A lot of people believe, actually, that this style really shows off how tough and sturdy the Huamachuco culture could be.
What You Might Expect to See
When you get to Markahuamachuco, the first thing you’re likely to notice is the large size of the site. I was very much impressed by how far everything stretched out, so many buildings and sections that extend way past what your eyes can view initially! You have really got to have good walking shoes when you are planning to see everything because it is extensive. What might excite you the most is you will see circles. Circular structures like “El Castillo” are not only a defining trait of the town layout, it is literally the high point, too it’s almost at the high elevation area. There are plazas that hosted communal gatherings, residential compounds where, presumably, the society big-wigs stayed. This location contains various other architectural features you might find intriguing, too, if that interests you.
I will admit, while a whole bunch of walls are really still standing tall, many parts of Markahuamachuco definitely show the toll of time. I think that, in a way, makes the setting very evocative. Also, to be very honest with you, the views on every side were just unbelievably expansive; you really have to spend time enjoying the place once you get there! I recommend walking all the way around, so you can experience the whole panorama; bring your camera, so you can take beautiful pictures and brag.
Getting There, so You Can Have Fun Too
What’s interesting is Markahuamachuco is not, definitely, as easy to reach as Machu Picchu. You might be wondering, too, how to go about making travel plans, very different from just hopping on a train in Cusco. You want to first arrive to the city of Trujillo if you are flying in, or if you’re close to a bus station there may be a coach driving to Huamachuco, from where you take local transportation, possibly a combi (kind of like a mini bus) or a taxi, to the ruins. That’s all that’s to it; still you should do a little prep, so it is easy to get to Markahuamachuco. You will very much need some flexibility, because transport schedules may change without notice, which means you will possibly be improvising and finding fun options!
What I suggest when you are prepping, that is, if you do not read, or speak any Spanish whatsoever, it might be really helpful to learn at least just some basic Spanish, or find some sort of interpreter. The experience that I had seemed to suggest that it is only some tour guides, that is, if you hire them in Huamachuco, who would communicate efficiently. Another suggestion, be sure, by the way, that you’re prepared for a bit of an adventure on some rather bumpy roads, especially when heading up toward the site. I thought that part of the drive kind of added a little to the experience.
Tips for Making the Very Most of Your Visit
Here are a few suggestions that will almost help to ensure your experience is something quite memorable: What would seem to be helpful is bringing water and snacks. What’s important, you would expect to invest two or more hours moving around, probably in the sun. You know it is interesting too, and I hate to repeat, that if you travel on your own, you could encounter a real dearth of stores, eateries, etc., so you should plan to stock up on items like bottles of water, candies, snack foods. That may sound obvious but trust me it will keep your energy up and you won’t become fatigued. I will admit that I struggled without and wish that I would have brought more with me. What’s really important for comfort too, I am thinking, is bringing appropriate clothing; definitely, weather conditions tend to vary really quickly. Wear layers of clothes, and make sure you can deal with sunshine. What is also true is bringing a hat and using some type of sunblock will help prevent burning or getting uncomfortable when moving through the sun!
If you’re kind of into Peruvian past times, history, or cultural events, I suggest what will almost surely enhance the adventure by using a guide. By taking a guide, they provide something of value by having stories about local things and how the place developed back then. Also, it may give assistance that you require when traveling. I’m just thinking to be polite, it can often make everything, with those interactions, work well.
I would probably advise that visitors check the local forecast ahead of time. What should be apparent that you may be experiencing significant shifts in temp due to the setting; the weather often really varies! This should come as no real surprise as that kind of experience does seem to exist around different portions of Peru. Just that should ensure you go equipped in proper clothing or gear if conditions change. That’s just important because everyone needs to be able to go without needing assistance. You know I hate repeating information, but that keeps all happy visitors and gives no issues.
- Be Ready for the Altitude: What I noticed is Huamachuco actually sits really high up, so, you should take it slowly when you get there so you’re going to deal better with the altitude.
- Think About the Time to Visit: I suggest, think about seeing the place in the drier months for ideal conditions that would make the trekking and scenery far better for any pics, that’s my favorite.
- Admire and Respect: While you may be running around that locale please make any attempts not to do any real destruction by going on monuments to admire as it definitely provides preservation for those still coming here for vacations. What needs emphasis that tourists should take care with waste to give protection in the region.
This would give assistance so as to ensure people, just like me, can enjoy vacations for the next times when we venture round up Peru! Be certain it happens so individuals don’t need more to give vacationing enjoyment just like me and you want now!