Machu Picchu became the preferred tourist destination in Peru and one of the most important on the planet. In 1983 it was declared a World Cultural Heritage Site by Unesco. In 2011 it was chosen as one of the new 7 Wonders of the Modern World.
The Inca Empire was established in Cusco in approximately 1,200 A.D. Its origin occurs in relation to two famous legends: a) The legend of Manco Cápac and Mama Ocllo and b) The legend of the Ayar Brothers. In both cases, legends point to Manco Cápac as founder and first governor. At the time of the Inca Pachacutec (1438 – 1471) the Inca City of Machu Picchu was built at an approximate height (2430m / 7972ft).