Machu Picchu is an ancient Inca city located in the Andes Mountains of Peru. It is located approximately 2,400 meters (8,000 feet) above sea level, and is surrounded by steep cliffs and deep valleys. The city was built in the 15th century and is believed to have been used as a royal estate or a religious retreat.
Machu Picchu is considered a masterpiece of Inca engineering and architecture. The city is made up of a series of terraces and buildings constructed using dry stone masonry, which allowed the structures to be built without the use of mortar. The buildings are carefully positioned to take advantage of natural features, such as the slope of the land and the position of the sun.
The city is divided into two main areas: the agricultural terraces, which were used to grow crops, and the urban area, which contained the residential and ceremonial buildings. The most famous building in Machu Picchu is the Temple of the Sun, a large stone structure with a steeply pitched roof. Other notable buildings include the Temple of the Three Windows, the Temple of the Condor, and the Intihuatana, a stone monument that may have been used for astronomical observations.
Machu Picchu was abandoned in the 16th century, and was not rediscovered until 1911, when it was found by the American explorer Hiram Bingham. Since then, it has become a popular tourist destination and is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Despite its popularity, Machu Picchu faces a number of challenges. The city is located in a seismically active area, and there have been concerns about the stability of the buildings. In addition, the city's popularity has led to overcrowding, and there have been concerns about the impact of tourism on the site.
Despite these challenges, Machu Picchu remains an important and iconic symbol of the Inca civilization. It is a testament to the ingenuity and creativity of the Inca people, and continues to fascinate and inspire visitors from around the world.
