Which ancient city is famous for its 15th-century Inca ruins in Peru?

Machu Picchu is the ancient city famous for its 15th-century Inca ruins in Peru.

The site stands about 2,430 metres above sea level in the Andes, on a mountain ridge above the Urubamba Valley. Its finely fitted stonework, terraces and dramatic setting have made it one of South America’s best-known archaeological landmarks.

Machu Picchu was built during the reign of the Inca ruler Pachacuti, probably in the 15th century. Historians continue to debate its precise purpose; interpretations include a royal estate, ceremonial centre and retreat. The site was likely abandoned during the Spanish conquest, although the Spanish did not document it in their major campaigns.

The outside world learned of Machu Picchu through Hiram Bingham’s 1911 expedition, though local people already knew of the ruins. The name is Quechua for “old mountain,” referring to the peak beside the site.