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Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu is a 15th-century Inca citadel in southern Peru, located high in the Andes near Cusco.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Machu Picchu is a 15th-century Inca citadel in southern Peru, located high in the Andes near Cusco. It is one of the most famous archaeological sites in the Americas and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983. The site is also widely recognized as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

History

Machu Picchu was built in the 15th century during the height of the Inca Empire. Scholars commonly associate it with the ruler Pachacuti, though its precise original function is still debated.

Architecture and setting

The site is built on a mountain ridge in a dramatic Andean landscape, with finely fitted stone structures and terraces. Its location between peaks above the Urubamba River is central to its historical and visual significance.

UNESCO status

The Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983. UNESCO describes it as a major legacy of the Inca civilization and one of the most significant archaeological landscapes in the world.

Tourism

Machu Picchu is one of Peru’s most visited attractions and a major global tourism destination. Visitor access is managed to help protect the site and surrounding sanctuary.

Key facts

  • Machu Picchu is a 15th-century Inca citadel in the Andes of Peru.
  • It was built during the reign of Pachacuti.
  • Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983.
  • One of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
  • Known for its dry-stone construction and preservation.
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Canadian context

Machu Picchu is a major international travel destination for Canadian tourists and a commonly studied example of Inca civilization in Canadian classrooms and museums.

Frequently asked questions

What is Machu Picchu?
Machu Picchu is a 15th-century Inca citadel and archaeological site in Peru’s Andes Mountains.
Where is Machu Picchu located?
It is in southern Peru, about 80 km northwest of Cusco, above the Urubamba River valley.
When was Machu Picchu built?
It was built in the mid-15th century, during the Inca Empire.
Why is Machu Picchu important?
It is one of the best-preserved Inca sites and a major example of Inca architecture, engineering, and land use.
Is Machu Picchu a UNESCO site?
Yes. The Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983.
Is Machu Picchu one of the New Seven Wonders of the World?
Yes. It was included in the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007.

References

  1. UNESCO World Heritage Centre — https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/274/
    Supports: World Heritage designation, significance, and description of the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/place/Machu-Picchu
    Supports: Location, elevation, approximate date of construction, and interpretation as a palace complex
  3. National Geographic — https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/world-heritage/article/machu-picchu
    Supports: World Heritage significance and Inca architectural description
  4. Britannica Kids — https://kids.britannica.com/students/article/Machu-Picchu/328739
    Supports: Location, meaning of the name, elevation, and historical overview
  5. History — https://www.history.com/articles/machu-picchu
    Supports: Tourism importance, UNESCO status, and general historical context