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Machu Picchu is a fortress high

on the Andes built by the Incas.

The city is located 50 miles near

Cuzco, Peru. It was high up and

hidden that in only 1911 was this

5 square miles ruin found by

Hiram Bingham, a man from Yale.

The city was built on leveledterraces and is linked by an

astounding 3,000 steps. The ruin

is located in the Urubamba

Valley, in the lowest part calledthe Sacred Valley of the Incas.

Though it was on the lowest part

of the valley, it was still 2,300

meters above sea level.

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Machupijchuprologue

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After almost four hours by train,

on one of the most impressive

and spectacular stretches in the

world, from high, cold early

morning plains down to lush

vegetation in the frequently

suffocating late morning heat, one

arrives at the foot of themountain Machupijchu. Then the

eight kilometer road of thirteen

zigzag hairpins in an acrobatic bus

takes us up the mountain, andone arrives at the hotel. From

here, it is only a few steps and the

city opens itself. ...

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To visit Machupijchu, you must prepare the soul, sharpen

the senses. Forget for some minutes, the small and

transcendental problems of our lives, of modern... man..."

Napoleon Polo

Casilla 435 Cuzco Peru

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Besides the the reality of Machupijchu lives a spiritual

Machupijchu, from which we cannot remove ourselves.

The RailRoad,the Urubamba Ruver and the Road

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Virtual Tour

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Machu Picchu Map

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Machu Picchu: Funerary Rock Hut

One of the most photogenic spots at Machu Picchu can beexperienced by hiking to the Funerary Rock Hut. Believed to

be the place where Incan nobility were mummified, this

vantage point offers a dramatic view of the whole complex.

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Machu Picchu: Royal Tomb

Down a long set of stone stairs and to the left you'll find the Royal Tomb.

This cave-like area of Machu Picchu contains ceremonial niches and an Incacross carved from one wall and is adjacent to the Temple of the Sun. The

cross resembles a series of steps, and represents the three levels of

existence in the world of the Inca. The first step, symbolized by the snake,

represents the underworld or death. The second step represents the

present, human life, and is symbolized by the jaguar. The highest step

represents the celestial/spiritual plane of the gods, and is symbolized by the

condor.

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Machu Picchu: Inside the Royal Tomb

Inside the Royal Tomb has been the site of numerous mummy excavations.

Of more than 100 skeletal remains discovered here, 80% were women. Thisfact, among others, leads many historians to surmise that the area was

inhabited primarily by high priests and chosen women. The true purpose of

Machu Picchu has never been conclusively determined.

To the left of the royal tomb lies a series of 16 ceremonial baths, joined by

one linked aqueduct system. At the top of this system is the watershed hut.

Continuing along the left side of the complex, you will cross the rock quarry

and come across the Sacred Plaza.

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Machu Picchu: Sacred Plaza

The view from Machu Picchu's Sacred Plaza makes one

appreciate the superb craftmenship of the Inca. Surrounding

the plaza are the most important buildings of the city. The

Principal Temple is an example of excellent Inca stonemasonry,

with its large stone blocks polished smooth and joined

perfectly.

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Machu Picchu: Sacred Rock

Across the Central Plaza and at the far end of Machu Picchu is

the Sacred Rock, an object common to most every Inca village.

Before a village could be erected, a sacred stone must be dedicated

to the site. The Sacred Stone of Machu Picchu sits at the base of

Huayna Picchu (little peak), from where you can take a one-hour

climb to the top for another excellent view of the entire valley.

Hikers can sign in at the Gatekeepers shack as proof they tackled thesteep climb up Huayna Picchu.

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Machu Picchu: Central Plaza

Descending from the back of Sacred Plaza is the Central Plaza,

a large grassy field that separates the Sacred Plaza andIntiwatana from the more commonplace areas on the far side.

A short trek to the opposite side of Machu Picchu and you will

find the Temple of the Condor.

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Machu Picchu: Intiwatana

The Intiwatana at Machu Picchu, known as the "hitching post

of the sun" is a carved rock pillar whose four corners areoriented toward the four cardinal points. The Inca were

accomplished astronomers, and used the angles of the pillar to

predict the solstices.

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Machu Picchu: Temple of the Condor

The Temple of the Condorin Machu Picchu is a breathtaking

example of Inca stonemasonry. A natural rock formation began

to take shape millions of years ago and the Inca skillfully

shaped the rock into the outspread wings of a condor in flight.

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Animals of Machu Picchu

One of the rather unique creatures you will see is the alpaca.

Its easy to mistake an alpaca for a llama. Alpacas are generally

smaller but the key difference between the two lies in the

quality of their wool.

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Inca Trail

The Inca Trailin Peru is one of the worlds most famous hiking

trails. Starting from the Sacred Valley of the Urubamba Riverand ending at the breathtaking ruins of Machu Picchu, the

45km trail takes three to five days to complete. The trail itself

winds through a combination of high altitude mountain ranges

(the Andes) and dense subtropical forest.

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Inca Trail Map

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Waynapijchu - The Young Peak

Terraces

Additional pictures of Machu Picchu

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