TRI DUC ENGLISH - Hiking the Inca Trail TRI DUC ENGLISH Reading Practice: Hiking the Inca Trail Sitting high in the Andes Mountains in Peru, the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu have captured the imaginations of travelers ever since they were rediscovered by archeologist Hiram Bingham in 1911. The name Machu Picchu means "old peak" in the native Incan language, and the site had probably been considered a sacred place since long before the ancient Incas arrived there. The Incas built a ceremonial city on the site that included palaces, temples, storage rooms, baths, and houses, all constructed from heavy blocks of granite fitted precisely together. Although little is known about the activities that took place in the ancient city, it appears that one of its functions was as an astronomical observatory. The so-called Intihuatana stone, located at the site, was used to mark the autumn and spring equinoxes as well as other astronomical events. The spectacular natural setting, the wonders of architectural and engineering skills embodied in the well-preserved buildings, and the mysteries of the ancient culture draw thousands of tourists from around the world every year. The nearest city is Cuzco, about thirty miles away. From there, tourists can take trains and buses to the ruins. A popular route for the more adventurous is to hike along the Inca Trail. The ancient Inca created a network of trails throughout the mountains, some of which are still in existence. The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, used by hikers today, was likely considered a sacred route in its time, used by travelers making pilgrimages to that ceremonial site. Although the Inca Trail leads to the wonders of Machu Picchu, it offers many marvels of its own. Hikers are treated to magnificent views of glacier-covered peaks above and tropical valleys below in their journey over high mountain passes. Many species of orchids can be s...