Pachacuti is the Inca ruler traditionally credited with commissioning Machu Picchu in the 15th century.
Pachacuti Inca Yupanqui transformed the Kingdom of Cusco into the expanding Inca Empire. He ruled during the 15th century and is associated with major military, administrative, architectural, and agricultural projects across the Andes.
Machu Picchu was built high in the Andes of present-day Peru, probably in the mid-15th century. Archaeologists generally interpret it as a royal estate or ceremonial and elite residential complex connected with the Inca state. Its carefully fitted stonework, terraces, plazas, and water channels show sophisticated engineering.
The site was not widely known internationally until Hiram Bingham brought it to broad scholarly attention in 1911, although local people knew of it. Pachacuti should not be confused with Atahualpa, the Inca ruler captured by Francisco Pizarro in 1532.