Machu Picchu: One of Peru’s Most Famous Tourist Attractions

According to Saednews, Machu Picchu (Spanish: Machu Picchu), meaning “Old Peak,” is an ancient archaeological site dating back to the Inca civilization. It is located at an altitude of 2,430 meters above sea level, on a mountain ridge overlooking the Urubamba Valley in Peru, approximately 70 kilometers north of Cusco. It is often referred to as the “Lost City of the Incas.” Machu Picchu is probably the most recognizable symbol of the Inca Empire.

Machu Picchu, one of Peru’s major tourist attractions

The city was built around 1450 AD and was abandoned centuries ago during the Spanish conquest of the Inca Empire. It remained forgotten for centuries, and apart from a few local residents, hardly anyone remembered its existence. The site was brought to international attention in 1911 by American historian Hiram Bingham. Since then, Machu Picchu has become one of the world's most popular tourist destinations. It was declared a Historic Sanctuary of Peru in 1981 and was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1983. Today, it is recognized as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

Machu Picchu, one of Peru’s major tourist attractions

Machu Picchu was built with finely polished stone walls, following the principles of classical Inca architecture. One of the most important structures in the complex is the Intihuatana, along with the Temple of the Sun, which features a room with three windows. These structures are located in an area of Machu Picchu that archaeologists refer to as the Sacred District.

In 2003, the ancient city received approximately 400,000 tourists. In September 2007, Peru and Yale University reached an agreement concerning the return of artifacts taken from Machu Picchu by Hiram Bingham in the early twentieth century.