About
Machu Picchu, meaning "ancient mountain" in Quechua (one of Peru's
many indigenous languages), is an ancient city located high in the
Andes Mountains of Peru. Built by the Inca civilization in the
1400s, it sits nearly 8,000 feet above sea level. Surrounded by
mountains and green valleys, Machu Picchu is one of the most famous
archaeological sites in the world.
Often called the "Lost City of the Incas," Machu Picchu was hidden
from the outside world until 1911, when it was rediscovered by an
explorer named Hiram Bingham. The site is well-preserved, with more
than 150 structures, including temples, houses, and terraces. These
buildings were made with carefully cut stones that fit together
perfectly without any mortar.
Machu Picchu is believed to have been a royal estate or a religious
site for the Inca leaders. Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site
and one of the most visited places in South America. People from all
over the world come to see its incredible ruins and experience the
stunning natural beauty of the Andes.