This Machu Picchu trivia quiz highlights the remarkable mountaintop citadel of the Inca Empire. Hidden high in the Peruvian Andes, this site continues to puzzle historians and captivate travelers from around the globe.
You will see questions about its unique alignment, the expert masonry techniques used to build it without mortar, and the history of its modern revelation to the world. We also cover its elevation and structural preservation.
Once you finish, explore our other quizzes covering historic places, unique UNESCO architecture, and majestic mountain landscapes.
In which modern-day South American country is the archaeological site of Machu Picchu located?
Chile
Chile
Peru
Peru
Bolivia
Bolivia
Ecuador
Ecuador
Machu Picchu is situated within which prominent mountain range?
The Rocky Mountains
The Rocky Mountains
The Andes Mountains
The Andes Mountains
The Sierra Madre Mountains
The Sierra Madre Mountains
The Alps
The Alps
Who is credited with bringing Machu Picchu to international attention in the early 20th century?
Hiram Bingham in 1911
Hiram Bingham in 1911
Max Uhle in 1910
Max Uhle in 1910
Julio C. Tello in 1913
Julio C. Tello in 1913
Percy Fawcett in 1912
Percy Fawcett in 1912
What is the primary material used in the construction of the buildings at Machu Picchu?
Granite stones
Granite stones
Basalt slabs
Basalt slabs
Sandstone bricks
Sandstone bricks
Limestone blocks
Limestone blocks
Which best describes the ‘ashlar’ stonework technique used by the Inca?
They cut stones so precisely they fit together without mortar.
They cut stones so precisely they fit together without mortar.
They used heavy machinery to lift the stones.
They used heavy machinery to lift the stones.
They used advanced iron tools.
They used advanced iron tools.
They used mortar made from volcanic ash.
They used mortar made from volcanic ash.
In what year was Machu Picchu officially named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World via a global poll?
2011
2011
2005
2005
2007
2007
2009
2009
What is the leading theory among scholars regarding the intended purpose of Machu Picchu?
A defensive military fort against the Aztecs
A defensive military fort against the Aztecs
A storage facility for foreign trade goods
A storage facility for foreign trade goods
The Emperor’s palace and religious site
The Emperor’s palace and religious site
A gold mining outpost for the Spanish colonizers
A gold mining outpost for the Spanish colonizers
Machu Picchu is located approximately 50 miles away from which major Inca capital city?
Cusco
Cusco
Chinchaytinsuyu
Chinchaytinsuyu
Quito
Quito
Vilcabamba
Vilcabamba
Which Sapa Inca ruler is widely believed to have ordered the construction of Machu Picchu?
Manco Inca
Manco Inca
Atahualpa
Atahualpa
Pachacuti
Pachacuti
Huáscar
Huáscar
The zigzagging river that flows at the base of the mountain below Machu Picchu is known as which of the following?
The Marañón River
The Marañón River
The Apurímac River
The Apurímac River
The Amazon River
The Amazon River
The Urubamba River
The Urubamba River
What type of tools did the Inca primarily use to craft their intricate stonework?
Bronze chisels and stone hammers
Bronze chisels and stone hammers
Laser precision cutting machines
Laser precision cutting machines
Iron saws and steel files
Iron saws and steel files
Wood carving tools
Wood carving tools
What is the primary purpose of the ‘Intihuatana’ stone found at Machu Picchu?
To honor the Sun God, Inti
To honor the Sun God, Inti
To predict tides from the distant ocean
To predict tides from the distant ocean
To act as a warning system for incoming earthquakes
To act as a warning system for incoming earthquakes
To track the movement of the moon for fishing
To track the movement of the moon for fishing
Hiram Bingham was a lecturer at which institution when he led the expeditions that famously explored Machu Picchu?
Oxford University
Oxford University
Harvard University
Harvard University
Yale University
Yale University
The Smithsonian Institution
The Smithsonian Institution
What engineering feature at Machu Picchu was vital for preventing soil erosion and growing crops on the steep mountain slopes?
Water fountains for livestock
Water fountains for livestock
Public bathing pools for visitors
Public bathing pools for visitors
Underground tunnels
Underground tunnels
Agricultural terraces
Agricultural terraces
Which historical fact explains why Machu Picchu remained largely untouched and ‘hidden’ for centuries?
It was converted into a mining colony.
It was converted into a mining colony.
It was used by the Spanish as a church site.
It was used by the Spanish as a church site.
It was never discovered by the Spanish conquistadors.
It was never discovered by the Spanish conquistadors.
It was destroyed by an earthquake in 1700.
It was destroyed by an earthquake in 1700.
‘Machu Picchu’ translates to ‘Old Peak’ in which indigenous language?
Mapudungun
Mapudungun
Quechua
Quechua
Guaraní
Guaraní
Aymara
Aymara
The Temple of the Three Windows is best associated with which function?
A site for astronomical observations and rituals
A site for astronomical observations and rituals
A center for metalworking and jewelry design
A center for metalworking and jewelry design
A prison for royal captives
A prison for royal captives
A military barracks for the elite guard
A military barracks for the elite guard
How did the Inca likely move the massive granite blocks used in construction given their lack of knowledge of the wheel?
The Inca did not use the wheel, so stones were dragged or rolled.
The Inca did not use the wheel, so stones were dragged or rolled.
The stones were carved in place, never needing transportation.
The stones were carved in place, never needing transportation.
The stones were transported using wheeled carts drawn by llamas.
The stones were transported using wheeled carts drawn by llamas.
The stones were carried entirely by thousands of laborers on wooden boats.
The stones were carried entirely by thousands of laborers on wooden boats.
In what year did UNESCO designate Machu Picchu as a World Heritage site?
1983
1983
1987
1987
1979
1979
1991
1991
At roughly what altitude above sea level does Machu Picchu sit?
2,730 meters (approx. 9,000 feet)
2,730 meters (approx. 9,000 feet)
3,030 meters (approx. 10,000 feet)
3,030 meters (approx. 10,000 feet)
2,430 meters (approx. 8,000 feet)
2,430 meters (approx. 8,000 feet)
2,130 meters (approx. 7,000 feet)
2,130 meters (approx. 7,000 feet)
Which design feature was used by the Inca to ensure their structures could withstand frequent seismic activity in the Andes?
The walls were built with a slight inward tilt for stability.
The walls were built with a slight inward tilt for stability.
They used metal pins to hold the heavy blocks together.
They used metal pins to hold the heavy blocks together.
They used wooden supports that remain inside the walls today.
They used wooden supports that remain inside the walls today.
They used a layer of sand between stones to prevent cracking.
They used a layer of sand between stones to prevent cracking.
What is the primary reason the Peruvian government limited the number of daily visitors to Machu Picchu?
To provide natural lightning protection.
To provide natural lightning protection.
To demonstrate the wealth of the Sapa Inca.
To demonstrate the wealth of the Sapa Inca.
To allow for easier repair of structures.
To allow for easier repair of structures.
To prevent environmental degradation and physical wear on the ancient structures.
To prevent environmental degradation and physical wear on the ancient structures.
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