Machu Picchu is the ancient Inca city built on a mountain ridge in present-day Peru.
The site stands about 2,430 metres above sea level in the Andes, above the Urubamba Valley. Archaeological evidence indicates that it was constructed in the 15th century during the reign of the Inca ruler Pachacuti.
Machu Picchu likely served as a royal estate and ceremonial centre rather than as the Inca Empire’s capital. Its terraces, stone buildings, drainage systems and carefully fitted masonry show sophisticated planning in a steep environment.
The site was not known widely outside the region until Hiram Bingham’s 1911 expedition brought it international attention. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983 and is one of Peru’s most visited landmarks.