Machu Picchu
Home of the Incas
History
Machu Picchu was an extraordinary city built almost 8,000 feet above sea level on a flat ridge between two high peaks of the Andes. The city was only about five square miles, but it had over 150 buildings and a population of about 800. It was inhabited by the Incas until the sixteen hundreds. The Incas were known for their agriculture and arts. It is now one of the most visited agricultural sites in the world.
Why visit Machu Picchu?
No other South American archaeological site comes close when it comes to visitor numbers and broad appeal. Machu Picchu is set in humid subtropical forests, providing a protected habitat for ferns and palms and several endangered species, notably the spectacled bear. Add in swirling clouds, llamas grazing on the terraces and the option to arrive following a hike on mountain trails and/or a train trip through the valley of the Urubamba River and you have a memorable trip.