Machu Picchu Photo Gallery

Machu Picchu is an architectural wonder and without a doubt the highlight of any trip to South America. Hidden for centuries and brought to the world’s attention in 1911 by US explorer Hiram Bingham, the citadel has since become famous for its engaging beauty and its ingenuity. Sitting nearly 2,400 meters above sea level and on top of ridge between two peaks, the site is divided into two areas. The larger peak, called Huayna Picchu, is the one most often seen in photographs of the ruins. With the passing of the centuries, the ruin’s original name has been forgotten. The name Machu Picchu simply comes from its geographical location. It literally translates as ‘old peak’, just as Huaynu Picchu is ‘young peak’. The crest of the hill was saved for the most important religious areas and overlooks the lush Urubamba Valley thousands of feet below.