As Peru’s most popular tourist attraction and one of the world’s most famous archaeological wonders, Machu Picchu is located 7,000 feet (2,100 meters) above sea level in the Andes Mountains. Although this magnificent Inca site provokes more mysteries than facts, it is believed that Machu Picchu was first built around the middle of the 15th century as a military fortress then later used as an estate for Inca royalty. Visitors can explore Machu Picchu and see well-preserved buildings that include houses, temples, fountains and baths in addition to agricultural terraces and evidence of an irrigation system.