Machu Picchu, located in southern Peru at about 2,430 meters (7,970 feet) above sea level, is one of the most iconic archaeological sites in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Believed to have been built in the mid-15th century by the Inca emperor Pachacuti, it remained unknown to the outside world until its rediscovery in 1911. The site includes well-preserved temples, terraces, and stone buildings set high in the Andes Mountains. It sits above the Urubamba River and is surrounded by lush cloud forest.

Each year, over 1.5 million people visit Machu Picchu. Most travelers reach the site by first flying into Cusco, then taking a train to the town of Aguas Calientes (also called Machu Picchu Pueblo), followed by a bus or hike up the mountain to the entrance. For those seeking a more challenging route, the Inca Trail, a multi-day trek through mountain passes and ruins, is also a popular option.