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Machu Picchu Peru - "The Lost City of the Incas"

TripAdvisor travelers voted Machu Picchu Peru a top World destination

Machu Picchu is considered one of the 7 Wonders of the World

Peru Machu Picchu Landscape

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Fascinating!

2. Hotels in Machu Picchu Peru

3. Maps of Machu Picchu

5. History of Ancient Machu Picchu

"Trips to Peru Machu Picchu mean ... fascination," not only for the incredible and extensive sites of the ancient Inca Civilization but also for its setting in the mountain mists and cloud forest of tropical Southern Peru.

Peru Machu Picchu - Llama's View

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Lesser-known but remarkable even on its on merits, the animal and plant life, some of it unique to the Machu Picchu Historical Reserve, adds flavor to the entrancing atmosphere.

What is Machu Picchu?

Machu Picchu Peru (in Quechua, "old mountain") is an Inca stronghold or fortress built by the Incan rulers.

Buried in the mountain jungle of Southeastern Peru, these incredible archaeological remains were unknown to the outside world until an explorer by the name of Hiram Bingham stumbled upon them in 1911. Since then, it has been visited by millions of visitors.

White Tee "I Survived Machu Picchu 2012"
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The train into Aguas Calientes (village at the bottom of the mountain) was closed for several months due to landslides in March 2010 but reopened within a short time.

Machu Picchu, Peru is a pre-Columbian Inca site, which means that it existed before any European influences in the Americas. It was a center of worship and astronomical observation and was probably a private family estate of Inca Pachacutec.

Peru Machu Picchu - Huayna Picchu from Ruins

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To supply the food for the residents, the site included an agriculture area with terraces and food storage. Considered sacred by the locals, Machu Picchu, Peru is especially important as a cultural heritage site.

The architecture and setting combined make this one of the most impressive locations in the world.

Peru's Machu Picchu and surrounding areas now form the Machu Picchu Historic Reserve, covering an area of 80,535 acres (32,592 hectares)

Where is Machu Picchu Peru?

Machu Picchu is located high atop a steep mountain ridge about 3000 feet above the Urubamba Valley in Southern Peru.

Although it is 7,970 feet (2,439 meters) above sea level, the Machu Picchu area is in the midst of the extensive tropical forest on the eastern slope of Peru's southern mountains

The Landscape and Natural Attractions

Salcantay mountain near machu picchu cusco andes

Much of the beauty and charm that surrounds Machu Picchu, Peru's biggest tourist attraction, is its unusual setting: a spectacular natural environment of verdant ridges and valleys covered with mountain forests.

Surrounded by the Andes Mountains of Peru, Machu Picchu is dominated by majestic Salkantay (6,271 m), the highest snowdrift mountain in the Cordillera de Vilcanota (Vilcanota range).

Salkantay mountain had a religious significance for the local population as being the god Apu.

Huayna Picchu (in Quechua, 'Young Mountain') is the mountain right next to Machu Picchu, a hallmark feature of photos of the area.

There are interesting Inca ruins in different parts of Huayna Picchu that are accessible by steep trails.

For the more athletic and adventurous, a hike to the breathtaking peak of Huayna Picchu is not to be missed.

Flora and Fauna

Over 350 species of birds can be found in the Reserve, many of which can be seen during a hike.	Cascade and Cloud Rainforest, Machu Picchu, Peru Buy From Art.com
For example, the Andean Cock-of-the-Rock (national bird of Peru) can be identified by the male's brilliant red color.	Andean Cock-Of-The-Rock Buy From Art.com
Ground animals also abound in the area of Machu Picchu, Peru. The Andean Bear, or Spectacled Bear, for one, inhabits the Reserve, although seldom seen due to its reclusive habits.	Spectacled Bear Climbing in Tree Buy From Art.com
The flora is particularly diverse and interesting: nearly 200 species of orchids have been recorded in the sanctuary.	Masdevallia Orchid Flower, Machu Picchu, Peru Buy From Art.com

See Cusco (Cuzco)

Discover Cusco (Cuzco) - If you are considering visiting Cusco, Peru, you will be amazed by the richness and tranquility of this city nestled in the mountains. Where to begin...

Cheap Hotels In Cusco Peru
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Cusco - Things to do, places to stay! Find the best deal, compare prices, and read what other travelers have to say at TripAdvisor

*(Common misspellings are Macchu Pichu and Macchu Picchu)

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