Machu

Machu is a Quechua word meaning "old." In Andean toponymy, it functions as a descriptive element in place names, often indicating a feature that locals historically perceived as ancient or venerable.

The best-known use is in Machu Picchu, the Inca citadel in the Cusco Region of Peru. The name is commonly interpreted as "Old Mountain," with Machu meaning old and Picchu referring to a mountain or peak. The construction of the site is generally dated to the 15th century, and it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, celebrated for its architecture and setting amid the Andean highlands.

Beyond Machu Picchu, Machu appears in other Quechua-derived place names across the Andes, reflecting a broader tradition of descriptive topography in indigenous toponymy. The exact interpretation of each name can vary with local dialects and historical usage, but the recurring motif is the description of landscape features by characteristics such as age, form, or prominence.

Culturally, the component Machu highlights the enduring influence of the Quechua language on Peruvian geography and identity. It illustrates how linguistic elements embedded in place names preserve historical and cultural information about the landscape and its peoples.