Machu Picchu is an ancient Inca city in the Andes Mountains of Peru. It was built by the Inca Empire in the 15th century and was abandoned a century later during the Spanish conquest. The exact purpose of Machu Picchu is still unknown, but it is believed to have been a royal estate or a religious center.

The Inca Empire was a powerful pre-Columbian civilization that flourished in South Andean South America from the early 13th century until the 16th century. The Inca civilization was known for its sophisticated engineering, monumental architecture, and advanced social organization.

Machu Picchu is one of South America's most important and well-preserved archaeological sites. It was rediscovered in 1911 by the American explorer Hiram Bingham, and since then, it has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. The site was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983 and is also one of the Seven Wonders of the World.

The Inca Empire was a complex and sophisticated civilization that impacted the Andean region of South America. Machu Picchu is a testament to the incredible achievements of the Inca people and remains a symbol of their legacy to this day.

Visitors to Machu Picchu can explore the site on foot and take a train or hike the Inca Trail to reach the site. The area is also surrounded by stunning natural beauty, including the Andes' snow-capped peaks and the Amazon Basin's lush forests.