Machu Picchu

After a night in Ollytantambo (also a site of amazing Inca terraces and temples), we took the train to Aguas Calientes (or as it seems to be called these days, Machu Picchu Town), arriving late in the afternoon. I enjoyed a couple of hours in the thermal waters, where they kindly bring you mojitos at the wave of a hand! Early next morning we headed up to the site that had drawn us all to Peru.

As I later sat in the shade of the little storage hut next to the main entrance - remember the view is hidden from sight until you walk through a stone portal with a small uneven step - I was pleased to listen to many others echo my entrance to Machu Picchu with a clip, clip, clop "Wow!"

 I had been up since 5am, and following a 30 minute hairpin bend, white knuckle inducing bus climb up into the clouds (believe me, it was much worse going down!), said clouds were indeed doing their best to pose dramatically for my photos. A bit of artistic licence, but I love this one in black and white!

And I call this one "O! Machu Picchu!".

It was a beautiful day - not only for the atmospheric views earlier, but for the beautiful sunshine later. It is quite common for it to rain up here, being on the fringes of the Amazon jungle, so we were lucky to get such beautiful weather for the morning, giving this contrasting blue sky view.

First, I must say how incredibly high it feels to be in Machu Picchu (which means Old Mountain), with dizzying views down to the river at the mountain's base.

And there is a fair amount of diversity on the mountain, with temples (sun temple above), houses (missing their roofs), terraces where crops were grown, and then water fountains. In the photo below you can even see part of the quarry used for the stones.

Through every doorway or window, there is always a magnificent view.

 The skill in creating such perfect walls is well known. There is also a drainage system that prevents the whole thing sliding down the mountain during the many rainy months; great engineering skills!

And of course it can't be Peru without some llamas around (they help keep the grass down!).

Look how cleverly this rock is sculpted to match the mountains behind. There are a lot of little things like this at Machu Picchu which adds to the richness of the culture at the place.

And if Machu Picchu is the old mountain (this actual mountain is behind the city itself), then Waynu Picchu (which means young mountain) is this famous one that appears in all the postcards. It is possible to climb it, if you are so disposed and have a spare 3 hours in your day!

I would have liked to have done some more climbing and exploring, but have pulled a muscle in my left groin (which makes going up steps difficult), and the knees and thighs were feeling dodgy after our 2 hour tour up and down and around the ancient city. So I chose instead to sit and soak up the magnificent views and ambience of the place.

This is truly a worthy member of the 7 modern wonders of the world and I am so glad I had the opportunity to see it. I now have seen 5 of the modern wonders of the world with the sixth on the cards when I get to Mexico (fingers crossed).

Machu Picchu was truly a highlight of Peru, but I was pleasantly surprised at how many other things this country has to offer the tourist. It's been a great two weeks. Next stop - Guatemala!