Built in the mid-15th century (around 1450) under the orders of the Inca emperor Pachacutec, Machu Picchu was conceived as an elite religious sanctuary, an astronomical observatory, and a royal estate. Its perfectly carved stone walls, assembled without a single drop of mortar, have withstood earthquakes and the passage of centuries. During the Spanish conquest, the citadel was mysteriously abandoned. Thanks to its remote and hidden location, the conquistadors never managed to find it, allowing this architectural treasure to remain intact, silently guarding the secrets of South America's greatest empire.

Although local populations always knew of its existence (Peruvian farmer Agustín Lizárraga even left his signature on a wall in 1902), the "scientific discovery" that introduced Machu Picchu to the world occurred on July 24, 1911. American explorer and professor Hiram Bingham, guided by local farmer Melchor Arteaga and a young boy who knew the trails, arrived at the ruins covered by dense jungle vegetation. Fascinated by what he believed to be Vilcabamba, the last Inca refuge, Bingham published his findings in National Geographic magazine, drawing the astonished eyes of the entire planet to Peru.

The surroundings of Machu Picchu are just as spectacular as its ruins. It is located at 2,430 meters (7,972 feet) above sea level, nestled in the eastern Andes above the winding Urubamba River, which carves a deep horseshoe-shaped canyon below. Geographically, it sits in a transition zone known as the ceja de selva (the edge of the jungle, or high cloud forest). This privileged location grants it a lush ecosystem that boasts impressive biodiversity, home to spectacled bears, hundreds of orchid species, and colorful birds like the Andean cock-of-the-rock.

The climate in Machu Picchu is divided into two distinct seasons, each with its own unique charm:

• Dry Season (May to October): This is the most popular time for tourists. The days are sunny, the skies are clear, and the chance of rain is very low, guaranteeing spectacular views and perfect photographs. Tip: July and August are the peak months, so you must book well in advance.

• Rainy Season (November to April): Although showers are frequent, the citadel dresses up in a vibrant emerald green. There are fewer crowds, the atmosphere is much more peaceful, and the low-hanging clouds give it an even more mysterious and magical touch. (Note: The classic Inca Trail is closed during February for maintenance and heavy rains, but the citadel itself remains open).