The Incas built this citadel at the end of the fourteenth century. As centuries passed, the site became totally overgrown by vegetation, and virtually disappeared from site.

Situated in an enclave on the saddle of a mountain overlooking the deep canyon of the Urubamba River. It consists of two main areas: one agricultural, formed mainly by mountains and food stores, and the other urban, which is noted for its sacred zone, with its temples, squares and royal tombs built with consummate skill. The stairways and canals carved out of stone and recurrent throughout this remarkable archaeological site. Opposite the citadel is the Huayna Picchu Mountain, which can be reached via a winding stone walkway.