Perched dramatically on a mountain ridge 2,430 meters above sea level, Machu Picchu stands as one of the world's most breathtaking archaeological wonders. This remarkably preserved 15th-century Inca citadel, featured in Josh Gates' quest for the City of Gold, offers visitors an unforgettable journey into ancient Andean civilization. Walking among these mystical ruins, you'll understand why this UNESCO World Heritage site continues to captivate explorers and archaeologists centuries after its rediscovery.
Machu Picchu is a 15th-century Inca citadel perched on a mountain ridge at 2,430 meters (7,970 feet) in the Eastern Cordillera of southern Peru, about 80 kilometers northwest of Cusco. Often called the "Lost City of the Incas," the site features finely crafted dry-stone walls, agricultural terraces, and ceremonial structures including the Temple of the Sun and the Intihuatana ritual stone. The citadel was likely built around 1450 as an estate for Inca emperor Pachacuti and was abandoned during the Spanish conquest, remaining largely unknown internationally until American historian Hiram Bingham brought it to global attention in 1911. Gates visited the iconic ruins during his expedition investigating legends of a hidden City of Gold, exploring how Machu Picchu fits into the broader network of Inca settlements. Today, the site receives over 1.5 million visitors annually, making it Peru's most visited international tourist destination.
Construction of Machu Picchu begins during the reign of Inca emperor Pachacuti, according to radiocarbon dating
Citadel estimated to be completed, likely serving as an estate for Pachacuti
Site abandoned, likely during or shortly after the Spanish conquest
American historian Hiram Bingham III brings Machu Picchu to international attention
Designated a National Historic Sanctuary by Peru
Inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World
Mainstream archaeological consensus holds that Machu Picchu was constructed around 1450 during the reign of Inca emperor Pachacuti, likely serving as a royal estate rather than a "lost city" in the romantic sense. Modern radiocarbon dating places its occupation between approximately 1420 and 1530, with the site abandoned during the Spanish conquest period. The citadel was never truly lost to local Peruvians—explorer Agustín Lizárraga reached it in the early 20th century—but Hiram Bingham's 1911 expedition brought it to international scholarly and public attention. The original Inca name of the site may have been Huayna Picchu, after the mountain on which part of the complex stands, rather than Machu Picchu itself.
The site's function continues to be studied by archaeologists and historians. While no contemporary written records exist to definitively confirm its purpose, the quality of construction and ceremonial structures like the Temple of the Sun and the Intihuatana ritual stone suggest it was an elite retreat rather than a military fortress or major administrative center. The sophisticated agricultural terraces and water management systems demonstrate advanced Inca engineering, supporting a permanent population of specialists and servants. Debate exists among experts about whether the site had additional astronomical or religious significance beyond its role as a royal estate.
Gates' episode explored Machu Picchu within the context of Spanish colonial legends about Inca gold and hidden cities. While the citadel itself was not the mythical City of Gold sought by conquistadors, it represents the sophistication of Inca civilization and the network of settlements that fueled European imaginations. The episode's investigation positioned Machu Picchu as a tangible example of Inca achievement, helping viewers understand how real archaeological sites became entangled with treasure legends. Gates' approach respected the site's established history while exploring how it connected to broader narratives about lost civilizations and Spanish colonial pursuits.
The site's designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983 and selection as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007 reflects its global cultural significance. Conservation challenges include managing the impact of over 1.5 million annual visitors, preserving delicate stone structures against weathering, and balancing tourism revenue with archaeological protection. Ongoing research continues to reveal new insights about Inca construction techniques, social organization, and the citadel's place within the broader Inca road network connecting settlements across the empire.
The site sits at 2,430 meters (7,970 feet) elevation, creating a subtropical mountain climate despite its high altitude
Machu Picchu was constructed in the classical Inca style using finely crafted dry-stone walls without mortar
The citadel may have originally been called Huayna Picchu after the mountain peak visible from the site
Though often called the "Lost City of the Incas," the site was known to local Peruvians and visited before Hiram Bingham's 1911 expedition
Machu Picchu is accessible by train from Cusco to Aguas Calientes, followed by a bus ride up the mountain, or via multi-day hiking routes like the Inca Trail. Visitor permits are required and should be booked well in advance due to daily entrance caps designed to protect the site. Expect high altitude conditions, variable weather, and significant crowds during peak season.
Cusco, approximately 80 kilometers to the southeast
The dry season from May to September offers the most reliable weather, though July and August see the largest crowds. The wet season from November to March brings fewer tourists but increased rain and occasional trail closures.
UNESCO World Heritage Site (1983); National Historic Sanctuary of Peru (1981); New Seven Wonders of the World (2007)
Kingdom of Kush Pyramid Tombs
Ancient monumental architecture from a sophisticated civilization, investigated by Gates in episodes exploring pre-Columbian and ancient engineering achievements
Angkor Archaeological Complex
Another UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring lost cities and temple complexes reclaimed from jungle, representing parallel investigations of abandoned urban centers
Sac Balam
Mayan archaeological site in the Americas, connecting to Gates' broader explorations of pre-Columbian civilizations and their sophisticated construction techniques
Best time to visit: Visit during Peru's dry season from May to September for clearer skies and better hiking conditions, though expect larger crowds during peak months.
Travel tip: Book your Machu Picchu entrance tickets and train reservations well in advance, as daily visitor numbers are strictly limited to preserve this ancient wonder.
Historical data sourced from Wikipedia