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 Machupicchu
, situated about 80 km northwest of Cusco , is the
ancient Inca town. It is the fabled lost city that has
been forgotten for more then three centuries , escaping
detection by Spanish conquerors . It was discovered in
1911 in Perù's Andes Mountains by Hiram Bingham . The
citadel is divided into two sectors : extensive
agriculture terraces and urban landscapes, which
contains main squares , temples , palaces . The style of
its buildings and pottery as well as its careful
planning suggest that the town was built under the
supervision of the Incan state , which was centered
around Cusco . The most famous feature of the site is a
carved natural stone , known as "Intihuatana," enclosed
by curved walls of dressed stone with trapezoidal
windows . The stone and its complex of surrounding walls
are probably related to the sun religion of the Inca as
well as to their veneration of certain natural stones .
The ruins require at least a day , some say two . The
mountains overlooking the site , Huayna Picchu (on which
there are some ruins) , has steps to the top for a
superlative view of the ruins. The trek takes about one
hour . The natural surroundings and the mystical
atmosphere make this place unique and unforgettable . |
