Roads and terraces reveal development near Machu Picchu
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Peruvian and Polish archaeologists discovered approximately one and a half miles of roads, terraces, platforms, and circular structures in a forest near Machu Picchu, Peru.
The team used drone-based lidar scanning to identify the structures on the steep slopes of Mount Yanantin, then cleared vegetation with machetes to confirm their existence on the ground. Local residents already knew of one narrow path within the network, but researchers believe many more remain hidden.
Mariusz Ziółkowski of the University of Warsaw explained the layout of the pathways suggests Inca construction, although the structures may be even older. The find demonstrates the region surrounding Machu Picchu was more densely populated and developed than previously understood. The archaeologists intend to expand their lidar scans to further explore the area around the ancient citadel. This research builds on previous work at Machu Picchu, including a 2023 study of the homelands of Inca workers.
