Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu is an impressive place, tucked away in the arse end of nowhere. It was probably a summer palace type place for the Incan Emperor, and was still in construction when it was abandoned. A large amount of the accommodation (for around 700 people) found there was probably for the workers still building the place.

 

The Sun Temple.

 

It was abandoned in around 1550 when the Spanish invaded. As no one was there it was not found by the Spanish, and so was not destroyed by them. Only about 30% of Machu Piccu has been reconstructed/restored, the rest survived intact and has only had the encroaching vegetation removed.

Traditional Inca doorway

It was brought to international attention by American (USA) historian Hiram Bingham in 1911. Some of the buildings were being lived in by farmers (it was one of them that showed him around), so 'rediscovered' is certainly not the right term.

Condor Temple - the rocks look a bit like a condor I suppose