Machu Picchu, perched high in the Andean Mountains of Peru, stands as one of the most remarkable legacies of the Inca Empire.
Built in the 15th century by Emperor Pachacuti, this ancient citadel likely served both as a royal estate and a religious retreat (there remains some debate about its exact purpose but these are the educated guesses of experts today).
Its complex network of temples, plazas, and terraces reveals an advanced understanding of engineering and a profound connection to the natural environment.