Machu Picchu, Peru

Machu Picchu stands as a testament to Incan engineering genius, perfectly positioned between two mountain peaks at 7,970 feet above sea level. Built in the 15th century and later abandoned, it remained hidden from the Western world until Hiram Bingham's 'discovery' in 1911. The site features over 200 structures arranged in religious, agricultural, and urban sectors, all built without mortar yet with stones so precisely cut they fit together without gaps. The Intihuatana stone, Temple of the Sun, and Room of the Three Windows showcase the Incas' advanced astronomical knowledge. Visitors can reach this UNESCO World Heritage site via the famous Inca Trail trek or by train to Aguas Calientes, experiencing one of humanity's most remarkable architectural achievements set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Andes.