Machu Picchu, Peru

Machu Picchu is a mystery, where Incas built an intricate city of stone without wheels, iron tools or beasts of burden. The temples within are built to catch the sun’s rays, or to observe the stars. Built around 1450, during the Incan empire, which lasted 100 years until the Spanish conquistadores came with smallpox. Swallowed by the jungle, it wasn’t “discovered” again until 1911. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, questions abound about construction and use. Sadly, no Inca descendants remain to answer.

: Our transportation for the trip up, since the Inca Trail is closed in February due to the rainy season.

: We are very excited to be on this train! We’ve been wanting to come here for years.

: Hiram Bingham stumbled, slack-jawed upon the ruins in 1911. Once the jungle was cleared, it looked like this.

: Mike didn’t need much convincing when the photographer asked for a Valentine’s day kiss.

: A park ranger, resodding a high traffic area. He sees up to 5,000 visitors per day.

: We were SO lucky with the weather, including this late afternoon rainbow.

: The cameras were out in full force at this lookout.

: This rock is shaped like, and points to the Southern Cross constellation only on the exact day between wet and dry season, so the Incas knew when to harvest.

: Scholars estimate that 60% of Machu Picchu construction is underground, including strong foundations and elaborate drainage systems.

: Peru is no stranger to earthquakes. Machu Picchu is built on two fault lines. When an earthquake occurs, the stones “dance” – bouncing through the tremors and falling back into place.