{
  "id": 16077977,
  "title": "More Than 2.5 Kilometers of Hidden Inca Trails Discovered Near Machu Picchu",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/22/more-than-2-5-kilometers-of-hidden-inca-trails-discovered-near-machu",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-22T17:30:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Colombia One",
    "slug": "colombia-one",
    "url": "https://colombiaone.com/2026/10/22/2kilometers-hidden-inca-trails-discovered-near-machu-picchu/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Researchers have uncovered more than 2.5 kilometers (1.6 miles) of previously unknown pre-Hispanic trails near Machu Picchu. The ancient road network connects the Inca citadel to the surrounding landscape. The discovery was made during an archaeological reconnaissance in Mandor Wall sector, east of Machu Picchu, in July 2026. The team used LiDAR technology to map terrain hidden beneath dense vegetation. While approximately 1.2 kilometers (0.75 miles) of these paths exhibit characteristics of Inca engineering, further fieldwork is needed to confirm their age, function, and state of preservation.",
  "summary": "Researchers have identified more than 2.5 kilometers (1.6 miles) of previously undocumented pre-Hispanic trails near Machu Picchu, uncovering a new section of the ancient road network that linked the Inca citadel to its surrounding landscape. Researchers detected the routes in the Mandor Wall sector, east of the Machu Picchu citadel, during archaeological reconnaissance in Jul. […]",
  "key_points": [
    "Over 2.5 kilometers of hidden Inca trails discovered near Machu Picchu",
    "Ancient road network connects citadel to surrounding landscape",
    "LiDAR technology used to map terrain in Mandor Wall sector in July 2026"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}