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Jan 1, 1438
The Inca Empire (1438–1533)
It was the largest empire in pre-Columbian America and possibly the largest empire in the world in the early 16th century. The administrative, political and military center of the empire was located in Cusco in modern-day Peru. -
Jan 1, 1450
Machu Picchu
Inca civilization site located almost 8,000 feet above sea level. The site is located on a mountain ridge above the valley of Urubamba in Peru. -
Apr 22, 1519
The arrival of the Spanish
When Hernán Cortés landed ashore at present day Veracruz and founded the Spanish city there on April 22, 1519, marks the beginning of 300 years of Spanish hegemony over the region. -
Jan 1, 1572
Machu Picchu was abandoned
It is possible that most of its inhabitants died from smallpox introduced by travellers before the Spanish conquistadors arrived in the area -
Jan 1, 1572
The end of the Inca Empire
In 1572 the last Inca stronghold was conquered and the last ruler, Túpac Amaru, Manco's son, was captured and executed -
Augusto Berns
The site may have been discovered and plundered in 1867 by a German businessman, Augusto Berns -
References to Machu Picchu
Maps show references to Machu Picchu as early as 1874. -
American historian and explorer Hiram Bingham
In 1911 American historian and explorer Hiram Bingham travelled the region looking for the old Inca capital and was shown to Machu Picchu by a local farmer. -
Bingham's another expedition
Bingham brought Machu Picchu to international attention and organized another expedition in 1912 to undertake major clearing and excavation. -
Further excavation
He returned in 1914 and 1915 to continue with excavation. -
Historical Sanctuary
Peru declared an area of 325.92 square kilometres (125.84 sq mi) surrounding Machu Picchu a "Historical Sanctuary". -
World Heritage Site
In 1983, UNESCO designated Machu Picchu a World Heritage Site, describing it as "an absolute masterpiece of architecture and a unique testimony to the Inca civilization" -
New entrance rules
In July 2011, the Dirección Regional de Cultura Cusco (DRC) introduced new entrance rules to the citadel of Machu Picchu.The tougher entrance rules attempted to reduce the effect of tourism. Entrance was limited to 2,500 visitors per day, and the entrance to Huayna Picchu (within the citadel) was further restricted to 400 visitors per day, in two time slots, at 7 and 10 AM.
