Women's chess champions clash at Machu Picchu

Two of the world's best female chess players took a break from their Machu Picchu tours to contest a match at the ancient citadel.

Women's world champion Alexandra Kosteniuk of Russia took on Peru's Deysi Cori, the under-16 world female champion, at the Incan stronghold, which was lost to the Western world until it was rediscovered by Professor Hiram Bingham of the US in 1911.

Experience proved to be the key in the friendly meeting at Machu Picchu, with the older Russian coming out on top.

Prior to the meeting, Ms Kosteniuk was quoted by state-run Peruvian news agency Andina as saying she was excited about the opportunity to face "Peru's top youth hopeful Deysi Cori at the top of Machu Picchu, one of the new seven wonders of the world".

Travellers who are keen to visit Machu Picchu themselves should check out The Adventure Company's range of trips to the citadel, some of which include the chance to trek the Inca Trail.

If this article sparks your imagination then have a look at our Machu Picchu tours or our holidays in Peru page