It is located 129 kilometers northwest of Cusco on the Urubamba River (hence the name Vilcanota River), in the Vilcabamba Mountains. Its altitude is over 2380 meters above sea level. The citadel of Machu Picchu is one of the most important archaeological sites in the world and is Peru's main destination. Few man-made works show as much harmony with nature as the citadel of Machu Picchu and the 33 archaeological groups that are linked by the Inka Trail.
The archaeological complex is located at the top of the mountain, Machu Picchu (in Quechua meaning ancient mountain or important mountain) which gives the name to the citadel and the impressive landscape that we have all seen. In front of it, the incredible mountain of Wayna Picchu appears ("young mountain") on whose summit and slopes some archaeological remains are located. Both peaks border the mighty Urubamba River that flows to the east, 400 meters below the citadel.