with an exquisite level of perfection.  The stone-carved stairways and channels are a constant around this archaeological site.  Huayna Picchu is situated in front of the citadel (in Quechua, 'Young Mountain'). Access is through a steep stone route.

The Historic Machu Picchu Sanctuary situated in the department of Cusco, on a 32.592 hectare surface, accomplishes the task of preserving the peculiar flora and fauna and the beautiful scenery of the surrounding forests, as well as contributing to the protection of the archaeological ruins that are there. Much of the beauty and enchantment that surrounds Machu Picchu, the greatest tourist attraction in Peru, is due to the spectacular natural environment: the mountain forests of this historic sanctuary. 

Most of the modern archaeologists and historians agree that Machu Picchu was built by Inca Pachacútec, the greatest statesman of the Tahuantinsuyo, who governed from 1438 until 1471. The  goal of the construction was that of a refuge for the most selected Inca aristocracy.  The fortress was situated in the western slope of the Vilcanota Cordillera, 80 km. from Cusco, the capital of the Empire. The strategic geographical location was chosen with amazing wisdom. The citadel of Machu Picchu,  surrounded by deep cliffs and away from the sight of strangers due to the dense jungle, had a single and narrow entrance that allowed in the case of a surprising attack to be defended only by few warriors.

Very strong hypothesis explain the disappearance from the historic memory due to the fact that Machu Picchu was an unknown place to the inferior castes, and, the routes were prohibited to anyone that did not form part of the reduced Inca's circle.
Pachacútec settled in Tampu, the favorite settlement of the new Imperial nobility, due to its natural beauty, temperate climate (one of the best in the Andes) and rich soil, that adorned the valley with several of the most splendid cities of the Tahuantinsuyo such as Ollantaytambo and Machu Picchu. The election of the site to build Machu Picchu was thought very carefully, due to the fact that it was, and still is, a perfect place to erect a ceremonial center. According to the investigator Antonio Zapata, it was built in the most important mountain chain due to its holy character, starting in the Salcantay (apu, major spirit) and ending at the Huayna Picchu. It was a privileged place to observe the movement of the stars and of the sun, the Inca divinities.

Furthermore, in accordance with his investigations, the place had a neighboring quarry that provided the finest white granite stones.