The civilization that built Machu Picchu was the Inca Empire, which thrived in South America during the 15th and 16th centuries. Machu Picchu, often referred to as the "Lost City of the Incas," is situated in the Andes Mountains of Peru. It is believed to have been a royal estate or religious site for Inca emperors. The site showcases remarkable engineering, with terraced fields, sophisticated drainage systems, and iconic architecture integrated harmoniously into the surrounding landscape. Discovered in 1911 by archaeologist Hiram Bingham, Machu Picchu is now a UNESCO World Heritage site and a popular tourist attraction.