One of the most famous ancient lost cities, Machu Picchu, located 80 km northwest of Cuzco, stands between two mountain peaks, 2400 meters above sea level. Its beautiful scenery is listed as one of UNESCO World Heritage Sites and a Historical Sanctuary of Peru.
Built in the middle of the 15th century, the city was an official residence for Incan rulers. The giant walls, terraces and other constructions of Machu Picchu look as if they were naturally cut in the surrounding rocks. One of its most famous monuments is Intihuatana, used as a ritual stone, an astronomic clock and a calendar.
The entire population of Machu Picchu died less than 100 years after its construction. Spanish invaders, who came to South America in late 15th century, did not manage to find the remote city. That was very fortunate, since it saved the beautiful ancient architecture from destruction and allowed this amazing work of the Incan art to survive until today.
