Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu is an ancient Incan city located high in the Andes Mountains of Peru. It is one of the most famous archaeological sites in the world and a symbol of the Inca civilization.

 Location and Setting Machu Picchu sits about 2,430 meters (7,970 feet) above sea level, on a mountain ridge above the Urubamba River valley. It is surrounded by steep cliffs and lush tropical forests, making it both beautiful and naturally protected.

 History Built: Around the mid-15th century, during the reign of the Inca emperor Pachacuti. Purpose: Believed to have been a royal estate, a religious site, or a retreat for Inca nobles. Abandonment: The site was abandoned in the 16th century, around the time of the Spanish conquest. Rediscovery: American explorer Hiram Bingham brought Machu Picchu to global attention in 1911.

 Architecture and Features Machu Picchu is known for its advanced engineering and stonework: Terraces: Built for agriculture and to prevent landslides. Temples and shrines: Especially the Temple of the Sun and the Intihuatana Stone, used for astronomical observations. Residential areas: Houses and plazas for nobles, priests, and workers. Drainage systems: Ingeniously designed to handle heavy rains.

 Cultural and World Heritage Importance Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983. Named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007. It showcases the Inca’s mastery of architecture, agriculture, and harmony with nature.

 Conservation Concerns Tourism and natural erosion threaten the site’s preservation. Strict regulations now limit visitor numbers to protect its fragile environment.

Source: https://theprint.in/world/peru-protest-strands-hundreds-of-tourists-near-machu-picchu/2744803/