# Machu Picchu

By [Zoryana Pakuk](https://paragraph.com/@zoryana-pakuk) · 2023-04-01

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Machu Picchu is an ancient Incan city located in the Andes Mountains of Peru, South America. It was built in the 15th century and is believed to have served as a royal estate or religious site for the Inca civilization.

The city is situated at an altitude of approximately 2,430 meters (7,970 feet) above sea level and is surrounded by steep cliffs and mountain peaks. Its location, which is only accessible by foot or train, adds to its mystique and allure.

Machu Picchu is known for its impressive stone architecture and engineering, which includes terraced fields, temples, and residential buildings. The city is also surrounded by a network of trails and roads that connect it to other Incan cities and settlements in the region.

Despite being abandoned for centuries, Machu Picchu remained relatively intact and was rediscovered in 1911 by American explorer Hiram Bingham. Since then, it has become a popular tourist destination and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Visitors to Machu Picchu can explore the ancient city and its surrounding trails, including the famous Inca Trail, which leads to the city from the nearby town of Aguas Calientes. The site is also home to a museum that houses artifacts and exhibits related to the history and culture of the Inca civilization.

Overall, Machu Picchu is a remarkable example of Incan architecture and engineering and remains a testament to the ingenuity and sophistication of the ancient civilization.

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*Originally published on [Zoryana Pakuk](https://paragraph.com/@zoryana-pakuk/machu-picchu)*