Machu picchu January 15, 2009

Machupicchu ruins
Machupicchu (like most of the Quechua names in the region) is a compound word that comes from machu = old or ancient, and picchu = peak or mountain; therefore, Machupicchu ruins is translated as "Old Mountain". The famous mountain that is seen in front, and appears in most of the classical views of the site is named huaynapicchu (Young Mountain). Unfortunately the original names of the mentioned sectors are lost, Machupicchu ruins, Waynapicchu and some other proper names used today are contemporary ones; ascribed probably by farmers living in the region before Bingham's arrival. However, according to studies about some XVI century documents, the original name of the whole area might be "Machupicchu ruins