Tailor made holidays: Machu Picchu is to celebrate a special anniversary this year

The ancient Incan site of Machu Picchu is an ideal destination for tailor made holidays whenever people decide to visit, however this year may be a perfect time to go, as the attraction celebrates a special anniversary.

On July 24th 1911 (a century ago this year), Hiram Bingham discovered the "vine-covered ruins" of the site, which was originally built in the 15th century.

According to Catharine Hamm - who edits the travel section of the regional American newspaper the Los Angeles Times - Machu Picchu is "Peru's biggest tourist attraction". This is true in many ways.

An area of 325.92 square kilometres surrounding the site has been designated a historical sanctuary, making Machu Picchu one of the vastest tourist attractions in the world. The attraction is also located 2,430 metres above sea level, so high that people visiting have to be aware of acute mountain sickness.

The UNESCO World Heritage Site has recently been named the third-best destination in the world for travellers by Trip Advisor. Machu Picchu was the highest-placed city located in South America in the top ten.