Guide to Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu Historical Reserve is a magical place that fascinates through its vast archaeological remains, geological formations, unique flora and fauna, and spectacular cloud forest. The most remarkable part of the reserve is the archaeological site of Machu Picchu, one of the world's greatest sites.

The Incas built this citadel at the end of the fourteenth century. As centuries passed, the site became totally overgrown by vegetation, and virtually disappeared from site. Hiram Bingham, Director of the Yale Peruvian Expedition, rediscovered Machu Picchu in 1911. Since then, it has become known as one of the Wonders of the World.

moreRecent research compiled by Yale University has revealed that the Machu Picchu Citadel was not, as Hiram Bingham believed, the traditional birthplace of the Inca people, nor was it the final stronghold of the Incas in their losing struggle against the Spanish.

Instead, Machu Picchu, built by Pachacutec at the peak of the empire, was a favored retreat for the Inca nobility. Machu Picchu Historical Reserve is located above the town of Aguas Calientes at 2,450 meters (8,038 ft.) a.s.l. The site covers an area of 32,592 hectares (80,535 acres).close