Ep 7. Machu Picchu

In season 2 episode 7 of Strip the City, the focus is on Machu Picchu - one of the most iconic archaeological sites in South America. Located in Peru, the ancient Incan city sits high atop a mountain ridge, surrounded by steep slopes and valleys. With breathtaking views and incredible engineering, the site has long fascinated visitors from around the world.

The episode begins by exploring the geography of the region, with a particular focus on the Andes Mountains. As the highest mountain range in the Western Hemisphere, the Andes provide a stunning backdrop for Machu Picchu. However, they also present significant challenges for anyone hoping to build, live, or work in the area. The episode reveals how the Inca civilization used their knowledge of the terrain to their advantage, creating a complex and sophisticated network of roads, bridges, and terraces to transform the landscape into a thriving community.

The show takes a close-up look at the city itself, using state-of-the-art CGI technology to strip away the layers of time and reveal the engineering marvels at the heart of Machu Picchu. From the intricate stonework of the temples and palaces to the innovative systems for managing water and waste, every aspect of the city is explored in detail. The episode also discusses the mystery of how the city was abandoned, providing insight into the possible reasons why the Inca people chose to leave such a remarkable site behind.

One of the highlights of the episode is the exploration of the Inca trail, the ancient road system that links Machu Picchu to other important Inca sites in the region. The show examines the challenges of building such a road, including the need to navigate steep cliffs, rushing rivers, and unpredictable weather conditions. It also reveals how the Inca people used the trail as a means of communication and transportation, creating a vast network of pathways that allowed them to travel great distances across South America.

The episode also investigates the impact of modern tourism on the site, highlighting the challenges of preserving an ancient structure while still making it accessible to visitors. Machu Picchu is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and its status as a beloved tourist destination has led to a surge in visitors over the past few decades. The episode explores the measures that have been taken to protect the site, from limiting the number of visitors to creating sustainable tourism practices that minimize the impact on the fragile ecosystem surrounding the city.

Overall, Strip the City season 2 episode 7 provides a fascinating insight into one of the most awe-inspiring archaeological sites on the planet. Through stunning visual effects and expert analysis, the show reveals the intricate engineering, cultural significance, and enduring mystery of Machu Picchu, making it a must-watch for anyone interested in ancient civilizations, engineering feats, and breathtaking landscapes.