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HistoryPeru

Machu Picchu - The Incas' Architectural Masterpiece

November 12, 2025

The Inca city of Machu Picchu in Peru has been uninhabited for centuries. But it is nevertheless well preserved.

Aerial view of the Machu Picchu site with its ruins and terraced architecture
Image: Kwanza

Discovered at the beginning of the 20th century, it attracts around 1.5 million visitors from all over the world every year.

Image: Kwanza

At an altitude of more than 2,400 meters, the Incas succeeded in building a masterpiece of architecture and engineering. Located on a mountain ridge in the Andes, it is a place in perfect harmony with nature.

Image: Kwanza

The several dozen buildings of Machu Picchu cover 10 hectares. Their interlocking stone construction has withstood centuries of heavy rainfall and frequent landslides. 

Image: Kwanza

The Incas built the city in the 15th century. They did not have a writing system in the conventional modern sense. Instead, they developed a unique recording system consisting of knotted strings, known as "quipus."

Image: Kwanza

With their advanced technical skills, they succeeded in building complex drainage systems and designing buildings based on a map of the heavens.

Thanks to the research and findings of experts and spectacular 3D animations, some of the secrets behind the construction of Machu Picchu can now be revealed, allowing us to discover the genius of the Inca builders.
 

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