Machupicchu , situated about 80 km Northwest of Cusco , is the ancient Inca town , the fabled lost city that has been forgotten for more then three centuries , escaping detection by Spanish conquerors . It was discovered in 1911 in Perù's Andes Mountains by Hiram Bingham . The citadel is divided in two sectors : extensive agriculture terraces and urban , which contains main squares , temples , palaces . The style of its buildings and pottery as well as its careful planning suggest that the town was built under the supervision of the Inca state , which was centred at Cusco . The most famous feature of the site is a carved natural stone , known as "Intihuatana" , enclosed by curved walls of dressed stone with trapezoidal windows . The stone and its complex of surrounding walls are probably related to the sun religion of the Inca as well as to their veneration of certain natural stones . The ruins require at least a day , some say two . The mountains overlooking the site , Huayna Picchu (on which there are some ruins) , has steps to the top for superlative view of the whole ruins , the walk up takes about one hour . The natural surroundings and the mystical atmosphere make this place unique and unforgettable .