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The sunrise over Machu Picchu, Peru

On 24 July 1911, a young American explorer called Hiram Bingham discovered the lost city of Machu Picchu. According to historians, the city probably had been abandoned by the inhabitants fearing the Spanish invasion. The Spanish left the ruins alone because the last Inca bastion was in Vilcabamba and not in Machu Picchu. None of the archeologists agree on the exact nature of the lost city. The two primary views are that it was a royal retreat or that it was an important religious place during the Inca period, The only unanimous agreement is that it is one of the most spectacular finds of the 20th century. The Incas truly excelled in their architectural design and execution in creating the city of Machu Picchu. Surrounded by awe inspiring mountains with rich and exuberant vegetation, the location is very enigmatic and impressive.

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Uploaded on July 5, 2015
Taken on June 25, 2006