Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu

The sanctuary extends across 32,592 hectares of mountain terrain, containing stone structures, agricultural terraces, and numerous ceremonial spaces at 2,430 meters elevation.

Built during the reign of Emperor Pachacuti around 1450, this Inca settlement remained active until 1532 when the Spanish conquest led to its abandonment.

The agricultural terraces demonstrate advanced Inca farming methods, enabling the cultivation of crops through sophisticated irrigation systems in challenging mountain conditions.

Access to the sanctuary requires advance reservations, with daily visitor numbers limited to 4,500 people to maintain site preservation standards.

The stone structures throughout the complex fit together without mortar, using precise cutting techniques that prevent even a knife blade from entering joints.

Location: Machupicchu District

Inception: January 8, 1981

Operator: Servicio Nacional de Áreas Naturales Protegidas por el Estado

Address: 08680, Peru 08680

Phone: +5184582030

Website: https://sernanp.gob.pe/de-machupicchu

GPS coordinates: -13.11667,-72.58333

Latest update: May 26, 2025 20:15