Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu is a 15th-century Inca citadel located in the Eastern Cordillera of southern Peru, about 50 miles northwest of Cusco, perched 2,430 meters above sea level in a tropical mountain forest.
It is the most familiar icon of the Inca Empire and is recognized for its outstanding cultural and natural values. The site is made up of approximately 200 structures, including religious, ceremonial, astronomical, and agricultural centers, set on a steep ridge with stone terraces.
The massive yet refined architecture of Machu Picchu blends exceptionally well with the stunning natural environment, making it among the greatest artistic, architectural, and land use achievements anywhere and the most significant tangible legacy of the Inca civilization.
The site was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1983.
To visit Machu Picchu, the easiest way to get there from Cusco is to take a train to Aguas Calientes, followed by a bus or hike to the citadel.