Machu Picchu will be lit at night for the first time ever late Thursday to mark the 100th anniversary of the discovery of the archaeological wonder, kicking off official celebrations.

A light and sound show directed by Peruvian theatre director Luis Llosa is planned at the famed ancient citadel, which was declared a UNESCO world heritage site in 1983.

The extravaganza of multicolored lights -- with accompaniment by Cuzco's symphony orchestra playing Antonin Dvorak's "New World Symphony" -- will mark the first nighttime illumination of Machu Picchu.

In addition to Thursday's show, Andean dancing, concerts, historical processions, mystic rituals and academic conferences are planned in the coming days and weeks for the centenary celebrations.

Machu Picchu will also make its appearance on 10-sol bills ($3.50) to mark the site's "100 years."

At the request of UNESCO, Thursday night's celebration will be brief, to limit the number of tourists invading the hallowed ancient citadel.

The United Nations in June warned against overcrowding at this year's much-anticipated celebrations, and to highlight the importance of conservation efforts, only 700 people will be allowed on the grounds for the opening festivities.

The event also coincides with the four-year anniversary of the site being voted one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in a global Internet poll.

The 15th century Inca city of carved stone structures, built high on an Andean mountain range in southeastern Peru, was introduced to the world by American explorer Hiram Bingham, who inspired Hollywood's "Indiana Jones" character.

Bingham arrived on site on July 25, 1911 at the head of a well-equipped scientific expedition. He shared his findings about this "lost city of the Incas" in the National Geographic journal.

Although most scholars agree that Bingham put Machu Picchu on the world map, Peruvian specialists accuse him looting their country of its riches, and note that others had found the site before.

During his three expeditions, Bingham carried away 44,000 pieces for Yale University, 366 of which were returned to Peru in March.