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Machu Picchu, Peru

In one of the most spectacular settings on earth, the great Inca ruler Pachacuti built a royal retreat that is now known as Machu Picchu.  Commenced in the middle of the fifteenth century, it was in use until the empire was destroyed by the Spaniards in the 1530s.  Although there is evidence the Spaniards were aware of a place called Piccho, there is no record that they ever visited the site.  Why it was deserted is a mystery.

In 1911, a young American explorer named Hiram Bingham led an expedition into the Urubamba Valley looking for "the lost city of the Incas.)  His articles and photographs for National Geographic stunned the world.

In Inca times you would have traveled for over a week on the Inca Trail from Cuzco to Machu Picchu.  Eventually you would have reached The Gate of the Sun and descended past the Guardhouse to see Machu Picchu spread out before you.

To the left and right of the Inca Trail you will see the agricultural areas and the homes of the farmers.

Once past the main gate you enter the Western Urban Sector not too far from the Temple of the Sun