Machu Picchu
/ˌmat͡ʃu ˈpiɡt͡ʃu/
Machu Picchu is the Spanish name for an ancient Inca site in Peru.
Meaning: an ancient Inca site in Peru (name)
How do you pronounce it?
/ˌmatʃu ˈpiɡtʃu/
Did you know?
- Although the name is used in Spanish, it is actually a Quechua phrase. In the original language, machu means 'old' and pikchu means 'mountain'.
- Spanish speakers often use the term La Ciudad Perdida meaning 'The Lost City' as a poetic synonym for Machu Picchu.
- While written as Machu Picchu in Spanish, the original Quechua language does not use a Latin alphabet, meaning the spelling is a phonetic approximation created by Spanish speakers.
Examples in context
- Quiero visitar las ruinas de Machu Picchu.I want to visit the ruins of Machu Picchu.This sentence is useful for expressing a desire to visit the ruins of Machu Picchu.Tatoeba #871329 by alexmarcelo, translation #871330 by CM
- Durante mi conferencia sobre turismo en Sudamérica, presentaré los increíbles paisajes de Machu Picchu.During my conference on tourism in South America, I will present the incredible landscapes of Machu Picchu.
- ¡Vamos a organizar un viaje a Machu Picchu! ¿Qué les parece?Let's plan a trip to Machu Picchu! What do you think?
- Machu Picchu es impresionante.Machu Picchu is impressive.
- ¿Has estado alguna vez en Machu Picchu?Have you ever been to Machu Picchu?
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing their dream vacations.
- LucíaDaniel, quiero ir a Perú este año.Daniel, I want to go to Peru this year.
- Daniel¡Qué bien! ¿Vas a visitar Machu Picchu?That's great! Are you going to visit Machu Picchu?
- LucíaSí, es mi sueño conocer Machu Picchu.Yes, it is my dream to see Machu Picchu.
- DanielSeguro que te encantará el viaje, Lucía.I'm sure you will love the trip, Lucía.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “machu picchu” translations and entries Machu Picchu, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Machu Picchu, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
