Where is Machu Picchu?
Quick answer
Machu Picchu is in Peru, high in the Andes Mountains above the Urubamba River valley, about 80 km (50 miles) northwest of Cusco. Built by the Inca Empire around 1450, the stone citadel sits at about 2,430 m (7,970 ft) above sea level. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
Who built it and why
Most historians believe Machu Picchu was built for the Inca emperor Pachacuti as a royal estate and religious retreat. Its builders fitted stones together so precisely, without mortar, that a knife blade can’t fit between some of them. These walls helped the site survive frequent earthquakes.
Key sites
| Site | What it is |
|---|---|
| Temple of the Sun | A curved stone tower aligned with the solstice sunrise |
| Intihuatana stone | A carved stone possibly used as a sun clock or for rituals |
| Room of the Three Windows | A temple with trapezoid windows |
| Agricultural terraces | Steps carved into the mountain to grow crops and prevent landslides |
| Huayna Picchu | The steep peak behind the ruins, climbed by a limited number of visitors |
Rediscovery
The Spanish conquerors never found Machu Picchu. Local farmers knew of it, but it became world-famous after American explorer Hiram Bingham was guided there in 1911. His National Geographic articles made it an international sensation.
How to get there
- Fly or travel to Cusco.
- Take a train to Aguas Calientes, the town below the ruins, or hike the Inca Trail (about 4 days); see the Inca road system.
- Ride a bus or walk up to the site.
Entry is by timed ticket with daily limits, so book ahead, especially from May to September, the dry season. Many visitors feel the effects of altitude, so spend a few days adjusting in Cusco.
The Andes are also home to South America’s highest mountain. For another ancient city carved into rock, see Petra.
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