Machu Picchu: Inca Citadel in Peru's Cloud Forest

Machu Picchu is a 15th-century Inca citadel perched at 2,430 m (7,970 ft) in the Cusco Region of Peru, above the Urubamba River.

History & Rediscovery

Built ~1450, abandoned ~1572 during Spanish conquest. Unknown to outside world until Hiram Bingham's 1911 expedition.

Current Status

• UNESCO World Heritage Site (1983)
• New Seven Wonders of the World (2007)
• Peru's most visited attraction
• Well-preserved stone architecture: Temple of the Sun, Temple of Three Windows, Intihuatana Stone

Access

• Inca Trail: 4-day trek (permits required, book months ahead)
• Train: Hiram Bingham (luxury) or Vistadome to Aguas Calientes, then bus up

Machu Picchu remains a testament to Inca engineering, astronomy, and spiritual geography.