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.
- Mike pointing to Machu Picchu mountain, which he climbed the next day, taking him from 8,000 to 10,000 ft.
- Llama drama. This one wants me to stop bugging her with all the photos.
- Some rockery has been lovingly restored. The steep admission fee of $40 per person per day helps with the maintenance.
- How did the Incas split the huge granite rocks? By wedging in wood, then wetting the wood so it expanded. Repeat with years of labor.
- Wild llamas are very effective lawnmowers.
- Agricultural terraces, built to maximize sun exposure, were watered with sophisticated irrigation systems.
- Day two at Machu Picchu was completely socked in by fog.
- Sublimely symmetrical masonry, accomplished with rudimentary tools and measurements.
- The Sacred Rock, resembling the mountain range behind it, was considered a great source of energy.
- The Temple of the Sun rocks are so close together that you couldn’t slide a credit card in between them.
- Machu Picchu on a side view, which reveals a profile of the Inca Emperor.
Wonderful job !!! Thanks for the great tour. I’m hoping to go there soon. All my best ! Paul Lampi