Machu Picchu was discovered by most of the Western world through Hiram Bingham, the American historian who chanced upon the ancient city during one of his explorations. This was in 1911 – although many believe that the city had been plundered way back in 1867 by Augusto Berns, a German businessman. The ancient city has since become Peru’s top tourist attraction, so much so that concerns about its preservation amidst unceasing tourism have been raised. It has been on UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites since 1983, and is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

Travelers to Machu Picchu can get in by train, bus, or on foot. Perhaps the best way to reach the ancient city is by taking a 2-day or 4-day hike. Trekkers enter the city through the spectacular Sun Gate, from which they are rewarded with their first view of Machu Picchu, amidst the valleys that surround it. At its Temple of the Sun, visitors can marvel at extraordinary stonework, regarded as some of the best examples of its kind. The Condor, on the other hand, is the subject of conflicting stories – as an ordinary temple during its time, told to families and middle-aged travelers; and as a torture chamber, complete with slots for manacles and a pit to drain blood.

There is a fee to view the ruins. Likewise, travelers need a valid visa and passport to travel to Peru.