Machu Picchu, the awe-inspiring ancient city nestled high in the Andes Mountains of Peru, is an architectural marvel attributed to the Inca civilization. This remarkable citadel, constructed in the 15th century during the reign of the Inca emperor Pachacuti Inca Yupanqui, represents the pinnacle of Inca engineering and culture. Its precise purpose remains a subject of scholarly debate, with theories ranging from a royal estate to a ceremonial or astronomical site. Abandoned and hidden for centuries, Machu Picchu was rediscovered by American historian and explorer Hiram Bingham in 1911, captivating the world with its mysterious beauty and rich historical significance.