Which ancient civilization built the city of Machu Picchu in the Andes of modern-day Peru?

The Inca civilization built Machu Picchu in the Andes of modern-day Peru.

Machu Picchu was constructed in the 15th century during the reign of the Inca ruler Pachacuti, whose name is often written Pachacutec. The estate stands about 2,430 metres above sea level on a mountain ridge above the Urubamba Valley. Its terraces, plazas, residences, and ritual structures were fitted carefully into steep terrain.

Researchers generally interpret Machu Picchu as a royal estate or ceremonial and administrative complex rather than a conventional city. Fine stonework, controlled water channels, and agricultural terraces show the Incas’ engineering skill. The site was probably abandoned or reduced in importance during the Spanish conquest, although the Spanish did not record conquering it.

Hiram Bingham publicized Machu Picchu internationally after visiting in 1911, but local residents already knew of the ruins. The site became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983 and remains one of Peru’s most important cultural landmarks.