The Machu
Picchu Historical Sanctuary is a protected area
established in January 1981. It covers an area of more
than 35,000 hectares, obviously encompassing the old
citadel of Machu Picchu. Its strategic geographical
location, on the eastern slope of the Andes, allows
to protect ecosystems varying from the year-round snow
found at 6,000 m.a.s.l., to the steamy tropical jungles
to be found at just above 1,700 m.a.s.l.