Peru TravelBlog 08 Index

Machu Picchu 3.10.08

Ironically enough, by the time we hiked four days to Machu Picchu, it was covered with tourists who left that morning and arrived by train before us. Not only that, I was so exhausted when we finally got there, that I barely had enough energy to walk around the ruins. And still, there were some folks in our group that climbed Waynapicchu—ruins on the mountain towering above Machu Picchu.

We were fortunate when we arrived that the sun was shining. We entered the ruins in t-shirts and light clothing, checking our gear at the gate. We spent only a couple of hours walking the ruins as most everyone was in similar condition—except for those energetic souls that climbed Waynapicchu.

Just as we were nearing the exit to leave, the raindrops came, and shortly we were in a down-pour and happy to be getting back to our raingear. Drenched hikers from Waynapicchu joined us later at the meeting place restaruant in Aguas Calientes having made it to the ruins despite the rain.

Our first view of the Machu Picchu ruins.

I made it all the way, it's all downhill from here.

The last part of the trail, with Machu Picchu in sight.

Where have all the rooftops gone, long time passing?

There were many houses at Machu Picchu. The Incan code of conduct made it possible to live without doors.

Here you can see workers on their ladders,
removing grass and moss from between the stones.

Resident llama.

The water systems throughout the ruins and in many of the pueblos are AMAZING!

Earthquake in the 80's?

The Intihuatana was used by Inca astronomers to predict solstices and was of great importance
in Inca mythology and agriculture.
It is considered the most important shrine in Machu Picchu.

This rock was carved to reflect the mountain-scape behind it.

Waynapicchu, I wish I had the whole mountain to give the proper perspective of how tall this towers above Machu Picchu.