High in the Andes Mountains above the Urubamba River Valley in  Peru is the hidden city of Machu Picchu. A Quechua- Incan citadel built around 1450 at the hight of the Inca Empire,  it was one of the last strongholds of the Quechua people after the Spanish invasion.

Machu Picchu 7 OverviewMachu Picchu is an Quechua Incan citadel set high in the Andes Mountains in Peru, above the Urubamba River Valley. Built in the 15th century its known for its sophisticated dry-stone walls that fuse huge blocks without the use of mortar. There are approximately 200 structures making up this outstanding religious, ceremonial, astronomical and agricultural centre. The structures are set on a steep ridge, crisscrossed by stone terraces. Following a rigorous plan the city is divided into a lower and upper part, separating the farming from residential areas, with a large square between the two.

The bus  to Machu Picchu offers a spine tingling ride. At times the road narrows to a single lane winding around the mountainside.  Often two buses will meet, one climbing the other descending,  and one will have to back up in order to allow the other to pass.  Trust me, sitting in the window seat can be unnerving at times.

On arrival at the site, get prepared to wait in a line with scores of other visitors from around the world. Once through the gates you begin an easy climb on stone steps and within minutes you get your first glimpse of Machu Picchu. My first response was amazement, I couldn't take in the grandeur of what my eyes were seeing. Having seen so many photographs of Machu Picchu throughout the years I was awe struck by the vastness and magnificence of the panorama before me.

 For detailed information about the area Wiki media has some good information. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Machu_Picchu

If you decide to visit may I recommend the touring company we used, GOTOPERU. Their services can be tailored to your needs and their staff are exemplary. Also keep in mind  tickets cannot be purchased at the site so purchase your tickets before you arrive at Machu Picchu.
Machu Picchu 8 OverviewMachu Picchu is an Quechua Incan citadel set high in the Andes Mountains in Peru, above the Urubamba River Valley. Built in the 15th century & known for its sophisticated dry-stone walls that fuse huge blocks without the use of mortar. There are approximately 200 structures making up this outstanding religious, ceremonial, astronomical and agricultural centre. The structures are set on a steep ridge, crisscrossed by stone terraces. Following a rigorous plan the city is divided into a lower and upper part, separating the farming from residential areas, with a large square between the two.