Epilogue to video clip on Macchu Picchu

While it is well known that Hiram Bingham the III “discovered” Machu Picchu , few know of the origin of this discovery. Our guide at Machu Picchu was born in Aguas Calientes, a small town located at the base of the Machu Picchu . His family had been living in the area since before Bingham had arrived. According to our guide, Bingham had been in search of an ancient Inca lost city. He asked several locals if they knew any information but was unsuccessful in getting any clues until he met with a peasant named Melchor Arteaga, who for 100 soles was willing to lead him to a family who knew of a lost city that was not the one Bingham was searching for, but might be equally interesting. The mestizo family, lead by Anacleto Alvarez and Toribio Recharte, were farmers using the ancient incan terraces for their livelihood. As with many mestizos at the time, they wanted to keep their distance for the majority of society for fear that they might be made into slaves among the local Spanish inhabitants for their Indian heritage. Bingham desperately tried to get any information on the lost city, but they refused to budge. Perhaps they knew how drastically their lives would change if this man knew of their secret. Bingham did not give up easily, he managed to isolate Recharte’s son, Pablo. He offered Pablo candy if he gave information on the city. Pablo enthusiastically agreed, leading Bingham through the well - hidden city among the thick jungle. Pablo led Hiram along the path I have documented in the video.

Our guide’s grandfather was a young boy when he witnessed Bingham’s crew and their large teams of donkeys ride away with ancient Inca artifacts and gold over a period of several days and months. Today, the Incan treasure can be found as part of a permanent collection at Yale University . An article written in the NYTimes can be accessed here. While Peru has requested to have these artifacts of their national heritage returned, Yale contends the artifacts were rightfully brought to them as part of the transaction Hiram legitimately paid for – all with just few soles and a piece of candy.

Note and disclaimer: There is a bit of controversy and mystery of controversy surrounding the discovery of Machu Picchu . The information I have documented was provided by our guide.

A big thanks to my wife for recollection details and her ever acute eye for editing my writing. :)

More information can be found at incalink.com