Machu Picchu

This experience is difficult to describe!

Arriving before the sunrise (after another gruelling ascent) we witnessed the most incredible sun rays bursting over the mountains. We spent the good part of a day exploring this wonder of the ancient world and even enjoyed an aftrenoon rain shower whilst sitting in an Incan hut.

Macchu Picchu remains so well preserved as it was deserted by the Inca's before the Spanish invasion of Peru and was thus undiscovered until Hiriam Bingham stumbled upon it with the help of a local guide in 1911. It was not, as tour guides will lead you to believe, a temple of virgins but rather the winter residence of the ruling Inca.

We hope our photo's can do some justice to this magical place!

Thr front stone was carved by the incas to mirror the mountains behind.

This carved stone (head and body) and the two jagged boulders behind it (wings) depict the Andean Condor.

Our first view of the site from the bottom of the sacred valley.

Wild orchids growing on the terraces of Machu Picchu.

According to our guide these 3 windows symbolise the underworld, the present and the spiritual world above. (This seems to be one of many theories.)

 

early morning light

Sunrays bursting over the mountains surrounding Machu Picchu.

Advanced Inca stone work. You could see the improved stone masonary from the earlier more rustic stones.

Looking down on the Machu Picchu site and Hyanu Picchu peak (in the back round) from high high high up on the Machu Picchu mountain.