One of the world's greatest archaeological wonders, Machu Picchu, is a 500-year-old mystery filled with history, culture and religion. Machu Picchu is part of Peru's identity and is the country's main national and international tourist destination. Its breathtaking natural view and historical background make Machu Picchu the most significant legacy of the Inca civilization. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay Machu Picchu was found by an American explorer and professor of Latin American history at Yale University, Hiram Bingham (Source 1). Of course he was not the first white man to examine this Inca civilization as there had been a few people before him, but this archaeological complex was not known to the outside world until its discovery in 1911. Bingham had spent weeks in the forest of the Andes searching of the forgotten ruins of the last Inca capital, Vilcabamba, but instead he had found what is nicknamed Machu Picchu. Built in the 1400s, Machu Picchu was abandoned when the Inca Empire was conquered by the Spanish in the 1500s; however, many questions still remain. Who built Machu Picchu? Why had they built it? Despite its mysteries, thousands of visitors come to the "city in the clouds" every year. Situated between the Andes and the Amazon basin, Machu Picchu's geography is one of the many reasons tourists come to watch, reflect and wonder. Above the rushing waters of the Urubamba River, in the middle of a tropical mountain forest, Machu Picchu is probably the most incredible creation of the Inca Empire. This wonder of the world covers 79 acres of mountain slopes, peaks and valleys surrounding the monument of "La Ciudadela" (the Citadel) more than 7800 feet above sea level (Source 2). Machu Picchu also has a rich diversity of flora and fauna. It provides a habitat for several endangered species, including the spectacled bear, otter, long-tailed weasel, Andean condor and more. The city's enduring beauty comes from the fusion of its architecture and mountain environment. Machu Picchu has approximately 200 religious, ceremonial, astronomical and agricultural structures. According to Source 1, The Stones of Machu Picchu, Bingham recorded: “Suddenly I found myself faced with the walls of ruined houses built of the finest quality of Inca stone.” He had stared in amazement at the “walls of white granite ashlars (stone bricks)” that had been “carefully cut” and “exquisitely fitted together.” Several individual neighborhoods have been noted in the ruins of Machu Picchu. This includes an agricultural or “peasant” neighborhood, an “industrial” neighborhood, a “royal” neighborhood, and a “religious” neighborhood. The giant walls, terraces and ramps of Machu Picchu appear to have been cut naturally. The stonework at this site remains one of the world's most impressive examples of the use of a natural raw material and the human-earth relationship to provide exceptional architecture. Tourism is of great benefit to Peru's growing economy. The Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu is part of Peru's national protected area system and is protected for both cultural and natural heritage. The boundaries of the historic sanctuary are defined and the area is surrounded by a buffer zone that exceeds the size of the property. Visiting Machu Picchu helps preserve this ancient Inca civilization. Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay From its fascinating history to its breathtaking landscape, Machu Picchu is an attraction to behold. To this day, the mysteries of Machu Picchu remain unsolved. Even so,,.