Hiram Bingham: The Explorer Who Revealed Machu Picchu to the World
1. Origins and Education- Born in 1875 in Honolulu (Hawaii), into a family of Protestant missionaries.
- Studied at prestigious universities (Yale, Berkeley, Harvard), specializing in History and Political Science.
- Married Alfreda Mitchell, heiress to Tiffany & Company, which gave him access to funds and influential circles for his expeditions.
- Traveled through Venezuela and Colombia (1906–1907), following Simón Bolívar’s route, facing accusations of espionage and dangers in the Andes.
- Arrived in Cusco and Choquequirao in 1909, becoming fascinated by Inca ruins.
- While searching for the lost city of Vilcabamba, he was guided by local farmers to the overgrown ruins.
- Though locals already knew of the site, he publicized it internationally through publications and photography.
- Contributed articles to National Geographic and was a pioneer in aerial photography and archaeological surveying.
- Took thousands of artifacts from Machu Picchu to Yale University, sparking debates about the repatriation of cultural property.
- Served as a U.S. senator from Connecticut (1924–1933) and as an aviator in World War I.
- Died in 1956, leaving behind a legacy that linked Inca history with global curiosity.
- Read his books (Inca Land, The Lost City of the Incas).
- Visit Machu Picchu and Cusco with local guides to better understand the greatness of the Inca civilization.
- Reflect on the importance of heritage preservation and the restitution of archaeological artifacts.
