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Detail

Machu Picchu (read: Maçu Bastard or Maçu Bastard, [1] Quechua language: Machu Pikchu), [2] is an Inca ancient city that has been well preserved until today. [3] It was selected as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World on July 7, 2007.

It is located on the Urubamba Valley at an altitude of 2,430 meters on the summit of a mountain of the Andes and is 88 km from the Peruvian city of Cusco. The city was built around 1450 by Pachacutec Yupanqui, an Incan ruler. When the Spanish invaders invaded these places in 1532, this city, which was surrounded by dense mountains, was not noticed by the invaders and was not damaged by this. The city had to be abandoned due to the smallpox epidemic that spread shortly after the construction of the city was completed. Machu Picchu consists of stone structures connected by more than 200 stair systems. The city's 3000 steps are still in good condition today. It is thought that the special stones used in the construction of the city were carried to the summit from the valley by the rail rope system. Also right next to it is a 2720 meters high mountain called Huayna Picchu. The path to this mountain is in the form of a secret passage that is not visible when viewed from Machu Picchu and the climb takes about 2 hours. From the summit of Huayna Picchu, it is possible to observe the whole city of Machu Picchu and the environment in 360 degrees.

The purpose and meaning of its establishment is the subject of discussion that continues until today. Since there are not many clues with scientific evidence that have survived to the present day, only predictions can be made. That is why the city, whose name was unknown at that time, got its name from a mountain peak that is nearby today. The parts of the city, consisting of terraces used as agricultural land, are at the foot of the mountain called Old Summit (in the language of Quechua: Machu Picchu). At the end of the city, Young Peak (in Quechua language: Wayna Picchu) rises.

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