Machu Picchu is a 15th century Inca citadel situated on a mountain ride 7,970' above sea level (and the Sacred Valley).  Most archaeologists believe it was constructed as an estate for the Inca Emperor, Pachacuti (1438-1472).  Often mistakenly referred to as the "Lost City of the Incas, it is the best-known archaeological site on the Continent.  It is now known as one of the new Seven Wonders of the World.

The Incas built the estate around 1450 but abandoned it a century later, at the time of the Spanish Conquest. 

Although known locally, it was not known to the Spanish during the colonial period and remained unknown to the outside world until Hiram Bingham brought it to international attention in the early part of the 20th century.

Mach Picchu was built in the classical Inca style, with polished dry-stone walls.  Its primary structures are the Temple of the Sun and the Room of the Three Windows.  Most of the outlying buildings have been reconstructed in order to give tourists a better idea of how they originally appeared.  Restoration continues. 

We were blessed with a unique train ride, a wonderful guide, the only Hotel just outside the Front Gate, and two half days for a guided tour and/or the option of exploring on our own.  However else you budget this trip, we recommend this way to experience Machu Picchu.

Our first day was the only day we had rain...	...but it was only a drizzle, and it lasted a short time
Patterns of the neighborhoods...	...begin to emerge before our very eyes
	Photo for "Hat Ladies on the Go!"
Archie, Americo our guide, Joan in front of the classical shot for "Machu Picchu."	John, Archie Joan, Jeff in front of  Machu Picchu...but it's really Huayna Picchu (Young Mtn.) Machu Picchu (Old Mtn.) is elsewhere & less impressive)
Archie and John at one of the Gates in our rain and hiking gear
Llamas and alpaca still roam
Rock formation in shape of condor...sacred to the Incas, representing the heavens	Jeff gets his passport stamped with "Machu Picchu" (as do the rest of us)
While Joan and Jeff daringly climb to the Sun Gate...Archie and John take a leisurely stroll...	...and climb to places visited the day before and new ones on the "other side" of the neighborhood
Jeff and Joan on their climb to The Sun Gate
They made it!!!!!!	And made it safely DOWN

Once again, the way we saw Machu Picchu is worth the cost!

Peru Page 4