Machu Picchu is an ancient Incan citadel located in the Andes Mountains of Peru. The site, which sits at an altitude of 7,970 feet (2,430 meters), is believed to have been built in the 15th century and was likely used as a royal estate or sacred religious site. The name “Machu Picchu” means “old peak” in the Quechua language, and it is often referred to as “The Lost City of the Incas.”
Machu Picchu is considered one of the most significant archaeological sites in South America and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The site is also one of the most popular tourist destinations in Peru, attracting over 1.5 million visitors each year.
The citadel is situated on a mountain ridge above the Urubamba River and is surrounded by lush tropical forests. The site is made up of several terraced platforms and buildings, including the Temple of the Sun, the Temple of the Three Windows, and the Intihuatana, a large stone structure that was used for astronomical observations. The most recognizable feature of Machu Picchu is the Inti Watana, a large stone structure that sits at the highest point of the site and is thought to have been used for religious ceremonies.
Machu Picchu was built using a combination of dry-stone walls and mortarless construction techniques. The stones used to build the citadel were cut and shaped to fit perfectly together without the use of mortar. This allowed for the structures to withstand earthquakes and other natural disasters. The Incas also used an extensive system of terraces to control water and soil erosion and to grow crops.
The citadel was abandoned by the Incas in the 16th century, and the site was not rediscovered until 1911 by the American explorer Hiram Bingham. The site was subsequently excavated and restored, and many of the artifacts and structures that were discovered are now on display in the Machu Picchu Museum in Aguas Calientes, a small town located at the base of the mountain.
Machu Picchu is accessible via a train ride from the town of Cusco, and a bus ride from Aguas Calientes. The most popular way to reach the citadel is by hiking the Inca Trail, a 26-mile (43-kilometer) trail that leads to the site. The trail is considered one of the most iconic and challenging treks in South America and takes 4 days to complete.
In conclusion, Machu Picchu is an ancient Incan citadel located in the Andes Mountains of Peru. It is considered one of the most significant archaeological sites in South America and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The site is also one of the most popular tourist destinations in Peru, attracting over 1.5 million visitors each year. The citadel was built using a combination of dry-stone walls and mortarless construction techniques, which allowed for the structures to withstand earthquakes and other natural disasters. The Incas also used an extensive system of terraces to control water and soil erosion and to grow crops. The citadel was abandoned by the Incas in the 16th century and rediscovered in 1911 by the American explorer Hiram Bingham. It is accessible via train, bus or the Inca Trail hike.
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