Machu Picchu: The Sky City

Located in the Cusco region of Peru, Machu Picchu is a pre-Columbian Inca Empire city ruin and one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Perched at an altitude of 2,430 meters on a mountain ridge, it overlooks the Urubamba River Valley, earning its nickname as the 'Sky City' and is also known as the 'Lost City of the Incas.' The architecture of Machu Picchu is a classic example of Inca style, with three well-preserved structures: the Intihuatana (Sun Stone), the Temple of the Sun, and the Temple of the Three Windows. There is also an unrestored section that allows visitors to see the site as it was when first discovered. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Machu Picchu is classified as both a cultural and natural heritage site. However, the site faces challenges from tourism-related damage. There are three routes to explore the area; during my first visit, I took the lower city route and didn’t reach the summit—a small regret that motivates me to return.