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Nearly one hundred years ago, on the morning of July 24, 1911, explorer Hiram Bingham was led to ancient Inca ruins in the Peruvian Andes. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the new seven world wonders, Machu Picchu is visited by hundreds each day, and yet continues to fascinate those who visit the verdant peaks. To celebrate this fact and the passing of 100 years since Hiram Bingham first laid eyes on the isolated wonder, the Peruvian government is planning events that will make this one of the most exciting times to visit Machu Picchu.
The UNESCO World Heritage Site - Machu Picchu
In preparation for the centennial, the Peruvian government and other officials are planning a number of celebratory events in Cusco and Lima, popular destinations for a Peru vacation. While the exact details remain a mystery, there are rumors of international superstars performing a concert in the ruins, and speculation that Nobel Prize winner Mario Vargas Llosa and the grandchildren of Hiram Bingham will attend the events. Whatever takes place, it is sure to be a grand occasion.
One of the most anticipated aspects of the centennial is the arrival and display of thousands of artifacts that have been in Yale University’s possession since Bingham excavated them from Machu Picchu in 1912. After years of battling with Yale, Peru will finally see the return of the artifacts which include ceramics and bones from both humans and animals. Once the ancient artifacts arrive, they will be displayed for approximately one week in the government palace in Lima before traveling to Cusco where they will displayed at Casa Concha.
Inca Vase
The Universidad Nacional de San Antonio Abad del Cusco also plans to open a research center for Yale and Peruvian researchers to continue to study the artifacts; it will be called the Yale International Center for the Study of Machu Picchu and Inca Culture (UNSAAC).
Also released for the centennial of Machu Picchu, is a new luxury service from Inca Rail, one of the train companies that carries travelers to Aguas Calientes, the town at the base of Machu Picchu. Named the Inca Princess, this new eight person train car will feature privacy, elegance, and comfort.
The elite service will provide lucky passengers a finely decorated room with a private bar on board. Passengers will sip on cocktails and enjoy food from a spectacular buffet of both hot and cold dishes. Expected to begin operations in April, the service will join Inca Rail’s current travel offerings: The Executive Service and First Class Service. Perhaps Machu Picchu’s expected famous visitors will take the first ride to the stunning archeological wonder.
For more information about how to incorporate the centennial celebrations into your Machu Picchu vacation, please contact one of our expert Travel Advisors who can help you customize your Peru travel plans.
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[...] here to see the original: Visit Machu Picchu during this year's centennial celebrations … Tagged with: centennial-celebrations • experts-at-peru • machu-picchu • peru [...]
[...] is to accommodate for massive celebrations scheduled to commemorate the centennial of the scientific discovery of Machu Picchu. In 1911, local villagers led Yale University explorer Hiram Bingham to the citadel, and he [...]