Machu Picchu Explained

Machu Picchu is an ancient Inca citadel located in the Cusco region of Peru, in South America. It was built in the 15th century and is believed to have been a royal estate or religious site for the Inca emperor Pachacuti. Machu Picchu is situated on a mountain ridge, overlooking the Urubamba River valley, and is surrounded by towering Andean peaks.

Machu Picchu is considered one of the most important archaeological sites in the world and is a popular tourist destination. It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1983 and was named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007.

The site consists of several structures, including temples, palaces, and living quarters, all built using the Inca’s signature dry-stone construction technique, which involves fitting together stones without the use of mortar. The most famous structure at Machu Picchu is the Intihuatana, a stone pillar that is believed to have been used as an astronomical observatory by the Inca.

Visitors can reach Machu Picchu by hiking the Inca Trail, a popular trekking route that takes four days to complete, or by taking a train from Cusco or Ollantaytambo. The site is open year-round, but the best time to visit is during the dry season (May to October) to avoid the rainy season.