Machu Picchu, often called the “Lost City of the Incas,” is one of the world’s greatest archaeological wonders. Built in the mid-15th century, it was abandoned during the Spanish conquest and remained hidden until American explorer Hiram Bingham rediscovered it in 1911.

Historians believe Machu Picchu served as a royal estate for Emperor Pachacuti or a religious retreat for Incan elites. Its strategic location, perched atop the Andes and surrounded by the Urubamba River, suggests both spiritual and defensive significance.

The city’s architecture exemplifies Incan ingenuity. The Intihuatana Stone, a ceremonial sundial, demonstrates the Incas’ deep knowledge of astronomy. The Temple of the Sun and Royal Tomb further highlight Machu Picchu’s religious importance.

Today, Machu Picchu is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a bucket-list destination for travelers seeking to experience the mystical beauty of the Incan world.