Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu, ancient (16th-century) Inca fortress city in Peru, about 50 mi (80 km) northwest of Cusco. An impressive ruin dramatically situated on a high ridge of the Andes, the pre-Columbian city is 5 sq mi (13 sq km) of terraced stonework connected by 3,000 steps. Probably the last Inca stronghold after the Spanish Conquest (begun 1532), it was discovered almost intact in 1911 by the U.S. explorer Bingham.

See also: Peru.