Machu Picchu

Perú 2004

Machu Picchu - "The lost city of the Incas"

Click on an image below to see it in its original size.

Machu Picchu was discovered by Hiram Bingham in 1911, until then it had remained untouched since the Spanish conquest of the Incas in the 16th century. The conquerors never set foot here and you can see just how intact the city is. This was a fully functioning Inca city complete with agricultural, commercial, industrial, and residential zones. There are also many religious sites located throughout the city. The Inca civilization really only flourished for about 100 years. Imagine, in that short amount of time, this mystical place was created and inhabited. It is believed to have been the last stronghold of the Inca Empire. Enjoy the pictures, and if you get a chance you must travel here at least once in your lifetime!

After a 25 minute bus ride on the "Bingham Highway" that takes you 400 meters up the side of a mountain you finally get to see your first glimpse of Machu Picchu..

The citadel of Machu Picchu with the mountain Huayna Picchu in the background. We climbed Huayna Picchu! Click here to see pictures of the climb and views of Machu Picchu from atop the Huayna Picchu Summit..

The only residents (nowadays) of Machu Picchu are 7 llamas. The youngest (in the pictures on the far left and far right) is called Jesús.

Our group at Machu Picchu and my "postcard picture".

(left 3 pictures) Agricultural terraces near the cemetery and funeral stone. (Right two pictures) Agricultural terraces near the religious temples and the Intiwatana (a type of sun dial).

(left 2 pictures) The Inca funeral stone near the cemetery. (Right 3 pictures) Near the cemetery.

(L) The Temple of the Three Windows (Right 2) The Intiwatana. To see pictures of the Sun Temple and the Moon Temple click on the links in this sentence.