The ancient civilization that built Machu Picchu is the Inca Empire, which thrived in South America from the early 15th century until the Spanish conquest in the 16th century. Machu Picchu, often referred to as the "Lost City of the Incas," is a UNESCO World Heritage site and an iconic symbol of Inca ingenuity and architecture. This site showcases sophisticated dry-stone construction and terracing that served agricultural purposes. Believed to have been a royal estate or religious retreat, Machu Picchu embodies the remarkable achievements of the Inca civilization in terms of urban planning and agricultural innovation.