IN THE SHADOW OF PERU: MACHU PICCHU'S DISCOVERY AS A WORLD HERITAGE SITE

Machu Picchu is a breathtaking testament to the ancient Inca civilization that once thrived in the Andes Mountains of Peru. Its ruins, perched on a high plateau, provide a window into a world that has long since vanished. But despite its current status as one of the world's most popular tourist destinations, it wasn't until 1911 that the world was introduced to this magnificent site.

At the time, the ruins were known only to a handful of locals, who referred to them as "the old peak." However, American explorer Hiram Bingham was determined to uncover their secrets. After hearing about the ruins during his travels in Peru, he set out to find them with a small team of locals.

Bingham's journey was not an easy one, as the ruins were hidden away in the shadow of the Andes Mountains. But after a few false starts, his team finally stumbled upon the ruins of Machu Picchu. They were astounded by what they found: a sprawling city of stone terraces, plazas, and temples, surrounded by stunning natural beauty.

Bingham's discovery of Machu Picchu was a turning point in the history of Peru. It helped to shed light on the country's rich cultural heritage and put it on the map as a major tourist destination. Today, millions of visitors come to Peru every year to explore the ruins and learn more about the fascinating history of the Inca civilization.

But Machu Picchu's journey to become a UNESCO World Heritage Site was not without its challenges. In the early years after its discovery, the site was neglected and poorly managed. It wasn't until the 1980s that efforts were made to restore and preserve the ruins. Today, Machu Picchu is one of the world's most beloved landmarks, a testament to the enduring power of human creativity and ingenuity.