FOREWORD

To pose some reflections of MachuPicchu is  to deal with one of the most representative symbols of Peru,its millenary past and its natural wonders. Here in this place, can be found the best synthesis of the dialogue that takes place between man and nature, albeit rough and crud at times. A mysterious, monumental root of an unequalled stage of Peruvian history,exposed to the eyes of the world with an overwhelming,captivating force that is irresistible. A representation of the intelligence and labor of man and of the most exuberant manifestations of nature.

Although it is difficult to hide the emotion  behind these introductory  words, the scientific and cultural significance  of this important archaeological site cannot  be  overlooked. As an expression of the Architectural development  of the material culture in general and of the mental  structure  of the inca people, Machu Picchu

provides  valuable and important information on the scientific knowledge of our past, and will continue to do so. Tourism is another important aspect closely  related to the archaeological site. Machu Picchu  is the main destination of the vast majority of tourists  who come to this country, even abroad, Peru is most clearly represented by  the image and reference  of this sanctuary. These tens of thousands of tourists not only require excellent services, but also adequate cultural  and scientific  information. It is in response to this need  that the cultural tourist  Guide we are  presenting  was published and it will  undoubtedly prove to be  highly useful for all visitors, whether local or foreign.

WHAT IS THE MEANING  OF MACHU PICCHU FOR THE NINETIES?

Machu Picchu was rediscovered in  a time  of peace  at the beginning of the 20th century  just before unprecedented violence was about  to unfold  in the terrible  conflicts of nations  and ideas extending  over the past  eight decades. In these  long years  widespread human misery has often cast a dark shadow  over the money  technological  achievements of our age.

The  end of the second  millennium  poses a double question  to mankind: Is the human being  just a natural  animal to  be  tamed  or simply an advanced  computer waiting  to be fed as the materialistic  concepts and institutions  of the ninetieth  and twentieth centuries  seem to imply? Or is  there a divine  human principle  to be rediscovered  in each of us  and raised  through new inspired  understanding? Machu Picchu can offer us such a message.  This timely  new publication of '' The sacred  Sanctuary of Machu Picchu'' is important for our deeper knowledge  about the profound mysteries  of the ''Lost City''  itself and about the amazing Incas who recognized  the human bridge  between  the divine and natural worlds.

Machu Picchu's  precipitous  heights, indescribable  beauty and elegant stone  temples, altars and terraces  create  a  highly moving experience, indeed healing for those who visit its remote location. We live in a chaotic, mostly  urbanized  world in the 1990s, suffering from the widespread dysfunction of family and work life,  with nervous disorders  resulting from the bombardment to our senses. such  constand charges against human dignity seriously  contrast with the deep harmony of the elements, the starry heavens, and the social life evidenced  at Machu Picchu. Once more, such a place implicity yields  the confirmation  of human elements.

Machu Picchu is situated  opposite the Egyptian pyramids through the earth in a remote, quiet, yet richly  verdant  corner of the rugged  Andes Mountains.  The outer character  of this site  is also the opposite  to that  of the Egyptian  site,  which is  accessible, arid and flat. Yet the  Incas shared many areas of knowledge, beliefs and practices  with  the ancient  Egyptians,  such as botany, astronomy, mummification and the use the gold only  as a religious  symbol, among  others. Again, they were opposites  in time, BC  and DC,  in the ancient  and new worlds.

More and more  so-called  ''tourists''  from all over the world  are visiting  this sacred place  of elemental healing  and human insight  as the millennium  ends. It is a large personal  effort to reach  Machu Picchu, albeit travel  is far easier  than in  1911  when it was discovered.

Our personal experience  and understanding  of  Machu Picchu  can bring confidence  and hope  in the future of humanity, based  on its clear  evidence  of a higher  self which can be  rediscovered  in each of us. through  our effort  we enliven  ourselves  to answer  our century's  deepest  inner  questions about  human nature  and society.

HIRAM  ANTHONY  BINGHAM 

Grandson  of the discoverer  of Machu Picchu.