Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu, which means 'old peak' in the native Peruvian language of Quechua, was rediscovered by American archaeologist Hiram Bingham on July 24, 1911. He could have written an astounding account of his travels for MyAdventure. Lead by a local boy into the forest and through the Andean Mountains, Bingham was the first outsider to lay eyes on the Inca city in nearly 400 years.

The great Inca city was built during the height of their empire for reasons still being debated today. Was it a site for royalty, a religious sanctuary, a prison, a women's retreat or something else entirely? The world may never know. One hundred years after it's construction, around the time the Spanish were invading, the inhabitants left the mountain top. The city disappeared, miraculously avoiding destruction at the hands of invaders.

Today, many people travel to Machu Picchu, attracted by the beauty and mystery of the ruins. Most choose to take their adventures during the dry season around July, but the site is always open for tourists. More than 8,000 feet above sea level, the city is always surrounded by fog. Among the humans chasing their own adventure through the Inca ruins are llamas, protected along with the site by UNESCO.

Travelers to Machu Picchu have their choice of adventure. Take a bus or hike to the site. Explore the city and trek up the surrounding peaks to get a unique view of the whole city. Pet a llama. Learn about the Inca empire and ponder, with the rest of the archeological community, about the true story behind one of the new Seven Wonders of the World, the great Inca city, Machu Picchu.

Is a trip to Machu Picchu on your bucket list? Check out these journeys and starting planning your own today at MyAdventures.