Machu Picchu

Yes, the train, busses, and all was to get to Machu Picchu!

This is pretty much the entrance to Machu Picchu -- and the classic shot. I don't know what elevation we are at -- but I must say it is certainly easier exploring Machu Picchu than Pisac! It was also warm and I was dying in my coat after a bit. 

This shot shows the steps! Up, down, repeat. Tiring -- but not nearly as bad as at Pisac. Pisac is at 11,000 foot elevation, I think Machu Picchu is under 8,000. Made a big difference. 

Here is the Inca water system. The guides like to mention that the Inca water system is still working after some 500 years, but I am a bit of a skeptic. I know that restoration work is on-going -- and I imagine the water system has had some work. 

The stone work is incredible! The fit is exact, and all done with just wood and stone. 

A lot of walls are still standing after hundreds of years, with no maintance in earthquake country. The Incas used a lot of construction procedures to ensure earthquake resistance -- one surprising technique was building the walls with loose stones. I would think that that would not work -- but tight fitting loose stones allowed the walls to flex and jiggle during an earthquake. 

The buildings must have had pole and frond or grass roofs.  

This was their church. There are three windows in it -- all facing north -- and all aligned with the sun's winter and summer solstice and the equinox. 

It seemed crazy how much work they did on steep slopes. I understand it was for several reasons: to control erosion, add grazing land, and also to make the place easier to defend. I guess if one thinks that this work was gradual over 100s of years, then more understandable. 

The classic mountain peak of Machu Picchu. I remember thinking that this is kind of the 'Campbell Water Tower' of Machu Picchu!

Not too many wild critters seen in Peru. Other than the condors, eagles and llamas -- alizard, this guy, some butterflies, small birds was about it. 

 

Had to try to get a photo of this llama grazing in front of the mountain peak. 

While some of the trails were crowed, many of the spots were empty and gave you 'room' to think and let you mind wander -- not so at the entrance to Machu Picchu! The cafe, gift shop and all were jammed. Think Disneyland!

My S/ 2 orange juice drink at Pisac is S/ 11 at Machu Picchu!...