Overview:

Machu Picchu is an Inca city located at an elevation of 8,000 ft (2,400 m) above sea level. It was built in the 15th century and is positioned on a mountain ridge above the Sacred Valley of Peru. It is believed to have been the home of Inca Pachacutec and was later abandoned in the 16th century due to the Spanish Conquest of the Inca Empire. The site is now a World Heritage Site and a major tourist attraction, drawing approximately 1.2 million people every year. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Peru
Prominent Features:

1. Intihuatana Stone: This unusual stone monument acts a sundial and is renowned for its astronomical and architectural significance. 2. The Inca Trail: A famous ancient trail trekking route that passes by Machu Picchu and offers breathtaking views along the way. 3. Intimachay Sun Temple: An impressive pyramid-like structure located in the middle of Machu Picchu with three large windows to capture the sunrise and sunset. 4. The Terraces: Carefully designed to aid in agricultural production, Machu Picchu’s terraces are an impressive feat of Inca engineering. 5. Temples of the Sun and the Moon: Two important temples located at opposite ends of Machu Picchu that were believed to be used for religious ceremonies and rituals. 6. Temple of the Three Windows: This unique temple is known for its three large windows with stunning views of the mountains and surrounding valleys. 7. Guard House: Located at the entrance to Machu Picchu, this structure was used as a military garrison and watchtower to protect the city and keep it safe. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Peru.

History:

Machu Picchu is an iconic Inca archaeological site, located atop a mountain ridge in Peru, South America. It is believed to have been built in the mid-15th century and served as the political and religious center of the Inca Empire, prior to the Spanish Conquests. The exact origins of Machu Picchu are a mystery, as no written records exist of its construction. Numerous theories suggest that Machu Picchu was either a royal palace or a secure shelter for Inca leaders. Despite its small size, the Inca were able to construct the city with advanced masonry techniques and terraces cut into the mountain ridge. The Inca remained in control of Machu Picchu until the arrival of the Spanish colonizers in 1532. It is likely that the city was abandoned by the inhabitants as a result of the Spanish conquest. Machu Picchu remained relatively unknown to the outside world until the 20th century when it was 'rediscovered' by the American explorer and historian, Hiram Bingham. The site gained international fame when it was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1983 and a New7 Wonders of the World in 2007. Today, Machu Picchu is the most popular tourist attraction in South America. It is visited by thousands of people each year, and its close proximity to Cusco and the Sacred Valley makes it one of the most convenient tourist destinations in Peru. Visit one of the famous monuments of Peru with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. Machu Picchu was built on top of a mountain in the 15th century and is located 7,970 ft (2,430 m) above sea level. 2. Machu Picchu was built without the use of iron tools or even the wheel. 3. Machu Picchu is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most important cultural sites of the Inca civilization. 4. Machu Picchu was recently made even more accessible by the construction of the first 5-star hotel in its near vicinity. 5. Machu Picchu is the most visited tourist destination in Peru, with more than one million visitors a year. 6. Machu Picchu is believed to have been built for the Inca emperor Pachacuti as an estate and urban centre. 7. Machu Picchu is still largely intact due to its impressive engineering and the fact that it was never discovered by the Spanish conquistadors. 8. Machu Picchu contains some of the only known buildings from the Inca period and some of the best-preserved masonry structures in the world. 9. Machu Picchu has over 150 varieties of trees, and is believed to have been a major centre of agriculture during its heyday. 10. Machu Picchu can be hiked to, with the classic 4-day trail being the most popular. One of the historical monuments of Peru, it tells the story of a bygone era