Machu Picchu

As the final part of our journey to Machu Picchu we left the hostel in Ollyatambu at 6.35am to catch the train for a slow peaceful journey through the Urubamba Valley. The train climbed through dense lush green cloud forest with colourful flowers (including bagonias and morning glory) hanging from the steep cliffsides. We arrived at a busy touristy town called Agua Calientes named after it´s hot springs. We then caught a bus which traversed it´s way up the steep mountainside for 20 minutes and stopped at the entrance of Machu Picchu.
At the entrance I got my passport stamped (a tourist token) and walked uphill along a windy path and there they were infront of me, the infamous ruins in all their glory on a now cloudless day. Those on the ´Classic Trek´entered through the sungate at dawn but unfortunately it was cloudy at that point but that is the gamble you take. Although they found the trek challenging, they treked through beautiful cloud forest which they thouroughty enjoyed.

Machu Picchu meaning ´Old Mountain´ was a hide out for the remaining Inkas during the Spanish invasion before they retreated even further into the Jungle. The city sits on top of a mountain in the jungle at 2430m, surrounded by other forested mountains and is an amazing feet of engineering and architectural beauty. Made of white granite within a natural quarry the city represents the highest work of Inkan ideology and it is thought that spiritual concepts influenced the location for the city.
There are so many aspects to the city including:
Terraces which were built to create micro climates for growing crops,
Hydraulic engineering used to transport water to the city from afar,
The Temple of the Sun. The temple areas and areas where important people lived are recognised by a more polished stone,
Temple of the Condor. The condor was considered a messanger to the spiritual world as it flew so high. The 3D shape of a Condor in flight is carved within the stone and looks to the East,
Strategically placed water mirrors were created and used to observe the sun, moon and stars,
A meditation room recognised from it´s acoustic qualities,
A sundial in line with the Equinox and Solstice.

Based on an estimation of harvested food and water it is thought that approximately 700 people lived in the city. From the city you can see a mountain called Waynapicchu presenting the form of a gigantic Puma. Next to this there is another natural rock formation (3 rocky prominations) which are thought to represent a bird with half opened wings. A large part of the ruins themseleves are laid out to represent the image of a lizard and carved beautifully that even the texture of the lizard skin can be recognised. The lizard is thought to be a mythical sign which has been found in nearly all the oldest Andean cultures.
The city was rediscovered in 1911 with lots of silver artifacts, pottery and mummies where it had escaped the spanish invasions. It is one of two designated historical sanctuaries in Peru and 80% of the ruins are original.

Hopefully the photo´s capture it´s beauty!