Machu Picchu is an ancient Incan city located high in the Andes Mountains of Peru, near the city of Cusco. It is considered one of the most impressive archaeological sites in the world and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The site was built in the 15th century and was likely used as a royal retreat for Incan rulers. It was abandoned just a century later, during the Spanish conquest of Peru, and was forgotten by the outside world for several centuries. It was rediscovered in 1911 by American explorer Hiram Bingham.
Machu Picchu is located on a ridge above the Urubamba River, and is surrounded by steep cliffs and mountains. The site is divided into two main areas: the urban sector, which includes the residential and ceremonial areas, and the agricultural sector, which includes the terraces and fields where crops were grown.
The structures at Machu Picchu were constructed using a technique called “ashlar masonry,” in which large stones were cut and shaped to fit together without the use of mortar. The city includes a number of impressive structures, including the Temple of the Sun, the Temple of the Three Windows, and the Intihuatana Stone, which is believed to have been used as an astronomical clock.
Today, Machu Picchu is one of the most popular tourist destinations in South America, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. Visitors can explore the ruins, hike the surrounding mountains, and learn about the history and culture of the Inca Empire. The site has also been the subject of much study and research, as archaeologists and historians work to uncover the secrets of this ancient city.
