UNESCO World Heritage SiteUNESCO Heritage
Machu Picchu
Peru

Machu Picchu

15th-century Inca citadel on mountain ridge

Location

Explore the Map

Historical Context

About

Machu Picchu, a 15th-century Inca citadel, is renowned for its remarkable architecture and strategic location high in the Andes Mountains of Peru. Constructed in the classical Inca style with polished dry-stone walls, it features essential structures like the Temple of the Sun and the Intihuatana stone, reflecting its religious and astronomical significance. The site's agricultural terraces, ingeniously designed for efficient drainage and crop cultivation, demonstrate the Incas' advanced engineering skills. Although initially built as an estate for Emperor Pachacuti, it was likely abandoned during the Spanish conquest. Today, Machu Picchu stands as a testament to Inca ingenuity and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, attracting scholars and tourists alike.

Paleolithic
Mesolithic
Neolithic
Chalcolithic
Bronze Age
Iron Age
Classical Period
Post-Classical Period
Early Modern Period
Industrial Period
Contemporary Period
Visual Archive

Gallery

Explore photographs of ancient structures, artifacts, and archaeological excavations

File143_Intiwatana_Machu_Picchu_Peru_2406_14977268637.jpg
File218_View_from_Inca_Trail_to_Sun_Gate_Machu_Picchu_Peru_2486_14977553069.jpg
File90_-_Machu_Picchu_-_Juin_2009_cropped.jpg
+22 More
Temporal Epochs

Historical Timeline

Journey through time and discover key events in this site's history

Construction of Machu Picchu

c. 1450 CE

Abandonment due to Spanish Conquest

c. 1532 CE

Classification

Archaeological Features

Unique architectural and cultural elements found at this historical site

category

Defensive Structures

Fortresses
category

Religious and Ritual Structures

TemplesCeremonial Platforms
category

Agricultural and Land Use Features

Terraces
category

Domestic and Habitation Structures

Cities
category

Astronomical and Timekeeping Structures

Observatories
Knowledge Base

Frequently Asked Questions

Reference

Details

Country

Peru

Coordinates

-13.16° N, -72.55° E