11 Places Where Nature Has Reclaimed Man-Made Structures

2. Machu Picchu, Peru: The Lost City in the Clouds

Perched high in the Andes Mountains, Machu Picchu is a testament to the ingenuity of the Inca civilization. Abandoned in the 16th century, this ancient city lay hidden beneath a thick canopy of vegetation for centuries. Rediscovered in 1911, Machu Picchu is now one of the most iconic archaeological sites in the world. The ruins, nestled amidst lush greenery and surrounded by mist-shrouded peaks, offer a breathtaking view of nature's reclamation. The terraces, once used for agriculture, are now overgrown with native flora, while the stone structures are adorned with moss and lichen. The interplay between the carefully crafted stonework and the untamed beauty of the surrounding landscape creates a sense of harmony and tranquility. As visitors explore the site, they are reminded of the delicate balance between human innovation and the natural world, and the power of nature to reclaim its own.