Machu Picchu stands 2,430 m above sea-level, in the middle of a tropical mountain forest, in an extraordinarily beautiful setting. It was probably the most amazing urban creation of the Inca Empire at its height; its giant walls, terraces and ramps seem as if they have been cut naturally in the continuous rock escarpments. The natural setting, on the eastern slopes of the Andes, encompasses the upper Amazon basin with its rich diversity of flora and fauna. (whc.unesco.org/en/list/274)
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Recognized for outstanding cultural and natural values, the mixed World Heritage property covers 32,592 hectares of mountain slopes, peaks and valleys surrounding its heart, the spectacular archaeological monument of “La Ciudadela” (the Citadel) at more than 2,400 meters above sea level. Built in the fifteenth century Machu Picchu was abandoned when the Inca Empire was conquered by the Spaniards in the sixteenth century. It was not until 1911 that the archaeological complex was made known to the outside world.

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We first got to Machu Picchu from Cusco by train through a picturesque mountain gorge ...

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At the station, we boarded a bus that took us high up the hill.

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There are many versions about the purpose of this city. Personally, after a visit, I concluded that I was proud to be residential, as evidenced by two-level (first level for servants, second for owners) houses that have exits from different levels to different streets, as well as terraces of clearly agricultural purpose.

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During our visit it was very cloudy in the mountains. To see the ancient city from above, we had to sit there for about 30 minutes. During this time, the clouds parted all a couple of times for a few seconds ...

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