Machu Picchu (meaning old or ancient mountain) - a Peruvian Historical Santuary (1981) - a UNESCO World Heritage Site (1983). This Inca ruins complex is located at about 8,000 ft. (2,440 m) above sea level, in the Peruvian Yungas ecoreion (the transition zone between the Andean highlands and eastern forests), and situated along the saddle or lower northern crest of the Machu Picchu Mountain, with Huayna Picchu (young mountain) to the north (both part of the Vilcabamba Range) - then beyond to the forested slopes of the Urubamba Range among the clouds . This ancient complex was constructed under the rule of Pachacutec Yupanqui (1438-1471) - constructed of granite stone palaces, plazas, temples, dwellings, industrial areas, and agricultural terraces - possibly built as a ceremonial site, a retreat for ruling elites, or a military stronghold. This site was abandoned in the 1570s, possibly due to a wide spread disease or drought - the Spanish never set foot here as a result of their Spanish Conquest which ended the Inca culture in 1572.