Machu Picchu, the ancient Inca settlement located in Peru’s Andes Mountains, gained international attention when explorer Hiram Bingham reached the site with the assistance of local guides. The location was already known to local communities, which is why many historians describe the event not as its “discovery,” but as its reintroduction to the wider world.

Machu Picchu was built during the 15th century, at the height of the Inca Empire. It stands on a mountain ridge about 2,430 metres above sea level. The settlement contains stone buildings, stairways, open courtyards, ceremonial sites and agricultural terraces constructed along the slopes. These terraces provided level ground for cultivation, helped manage rainwater and reduced the risk of landslides.

One of the most remarkable features of the ancient settlement is that it was designed in accordance with the natural shape of the mountain rather than against it. Large stones, strong walls, pathways and terraced fields were arranged to meet the needs of housing, food production, water management and movement in a difficult mountainous location. UNESCO describes Machu Picchu as an exceptional masterpiece of Inca art, urban planning, architecture and engineering.

Following Bingham’s expedition, photographs and information about Machu Picchu spread across the world. It later became a major symbol of Peru’s national identity, tourism industry and cultural heritage. However, the continued growth of tourism has also raised concerns about how to balance public access to the historic site with the need to protect and preserve it.

For students of real estate and urban planning, Machu Picchu continues to offer an important lesson: settlements designed with a proper understanding of natural terrain, water routes, local materials and the surrounding environment can survive for centuries.