7Machu Picchu, Peru
Machu Picchu, the Incan city set high in the Andes Mountains, is one of the most iconic examples of Incan architecture. Built in the 15th century during the reign of Emperor Pachacuti, this ancient city was constructed with precisely cut stones that fit together perfectly without mortar. Machu Picchu is known for its sophisticated dry-stone construction, terraced fields, and impressive structures like the Temple of the Sun and the Intihuatana stone. Rediscovered in 1911 by Hiram Bingham, it remains an enigmatic and breathtaking site that exemplifies the ingenuity of Incan engineering and urban planning.
