What would the ancient Inca builders, credited with designing and constructing the city of Machu Picchu, say about their world-class accomplishments being compared to the equivalent of a wacky roadside attraction? If you've ever driven cross country, you know what I'm talking about. A quick stop at The Toilet Seat Museum in San Antonio ought to flush out your desire for quirky entertainment. Then there's the all-time family favorite Hammer Museum in Haines, Alaska. If that doesn't nail it for you, nothing will! Who doesn't love hammers and toilet seats?

The key to understanding the appeal of roadside attractions is that they offer a short intermission from the journey to your real destination, wherever that may be. 

So you can imagine my dismay when I read this headline in a popular mainstream magazine, "Study Reveals Worst Tourist Attractions." Guess which destination was ranked #10 on the list? Right. The Inca ruins at Machu Picchu. The modern world has distilled the remnants of ancient Inca culture into a roadside attraction, like a palace made of corn cobs, designed to entertain travelers on their way somewhere else. But is it right that ancient ruins like Machu Picchu should be compared to curiosities created by innovative entrepreneures offering the best mel-o-creme donuts, statues of  pink elephants, dinosaurs, a giant blue ox, man-eating alligators, not to mention (but you know I am!) various igloos, teepees, and heart shaped hotels? The instrinsic value of the attractions may be questionable especially since the intent is to captivate the kids and even the adults, to stop and show a little monetary love as they make their way to their real destination. 

The Machu Picchu Inca city might be the only world-class destination that attracts scads of visitors  to the actual middle of nowhere to see it. This puts it in a special category where travelers have to zig and zag through various modes of travel to get there. 

I have to admit that story made me a little bit sad to think that there are people who don't get it. These writers seem to think that Machu Picchu is nothing more than a tourist attraction!  But not to worry folks. I'm a bounce-back kind of girl. I already shook it off and moved on. I know you get it or you wouldn't still be reading this! We have so many other really important things to worry about. For instance, the shuttle buses at Machu Picchu are a mess right now. But not to worry your pretty little heads. Somehow it always works out. One thing I've learned about the Peruvians is that they are a resilient and innovative lot. But just a heads up to all of you. They know nothing about advance notice. Nope. They like to operate by the seat of their woolen britches. So. Be ready for changes at any time when planning your trips to Machu Picchu.

What is Machu Picchu?

Let's ask the experts? Who are they? Wikipedia tells us Machu Picchu is a 15th century citadel. UNESCO World Heritage Conventions describes the historic sanctuary of Machu Picchu as among the greatest artistic, architectural and land use achievements anywhere.

I can't resist including this question from REDDIT, an online community where people ask each other for information about anything. This question popped up in my search.  "Why Machu Picchu is so famous? Could you please enlightened me?" The best reponse to that question may capture the true essence of how many people feel about Machu Picchu, "Just f-ing look at it! Are you f-ing serious?" 

And there you have it folks. Just go. And look at it.

If you need any assistance, you already know someone you can call! My number is all over the internet!