Machu Picchu is an Inca citadel set high in the Andes Mountains in Peru, above the Urubamba River valley. This remarkable site was built in the 15th century and later abandoned, becoming unknown to the outside world for centuries until its rediscovery in 1911 by Hiram Bingham, an American historian and explorer.
The construction of Machu Picchu is attributed to Pachacuti Inca Yupanqui, the ninth ruler of the Inca Empire, who began the construction around 1450. The purpose of the citadel remains a subject of debate among historians. Theories suggest it might have served as a royal estate or a religious retreat for Inca nobility. After the Spanish Conquest, the site was abandoned, likely due to the spread of smallpox brought by the Spanish and the subsequent civil war among the Inca.
The architecture of Machu Picchu is renowned for its precision and the way it integrates with the natural landscape. The site includes over 200 structures, mostly built from cut stone blocks without the use of mortar. Key features include:
After its rediscovery by Hiram Bingham, Machu Picchu was initially thought to be the legendary Vilcabamba, the last refuge of the Inca. However, further studies have shown it was likely a private estate. UNESCO declared Machu Picchu a World Heritage Site in 1983, recognizing its cultural and historical significance. Efforts are ongoing to preserve the site from the effects of tourism and environmental degradation.
Machu Picchu is located at an elevation of about 2,430 meters (7,970 feet) above sea level, making it a unique example of high-altitude urban planning. The site spans approximately 5 square miles, with much of it terraced for agriculture, showcasing the Inca's agricultural prowess.
Today, Machu Picchu is a major tourist attraction, with visitors able to reach the site via the Hiram Bingham Train or by hiking the Inca Trail. The site limits the number of visitors to prevent overcrowding and preserve the integrity of the site. Entry is controlled by a timed ticket system.