The ancient civilization that built Machu Picchu is the Inca civilization. Located in the Andes Mountains of Peru, Machu Picchu was constructed in the 15th century during the reign of the Inca emperor Pachacuti. It served as a royal estate and is widely regarded as a masterpiece of Incan architecture and engineering, showcasing sophisticated terraces, temples, and agricultural systems. Rediscovered in the early 20th century by explorer Hiram Bingham, Machu Picchu today stands as a UNESCO World Heritage site and an enduring symbol of Incan cultural heritage.