Saturday, April 23, 2005

Photos: Macchu Picchu

In the foggy morning, Macchu Picchu comes into view.


Macchu Picchu.


Looking downslope.


I have arrived.


The city to the left, and the Urubamba River valley to the right.


Looking back up to the Puerta del Sol.


The doorway to the city.


A view from inside.


Looking back uphill at the guardtower.


Another view from inside.


One of our guides, Ernesto speaking to our subgroup in English.


A temple usually used for llama sacrifices, and rarely, for human ones.


Temple of the Sun.


The "country" royal palace. The main royal residence was in Cusco.



The Macchu Picchu Orchid, which only grows in this area.


A grand courtyard between temples on the higher plateau of the city.


Another temple.


A special stone which marks the cardinal directions from within the city.





A carved rock, reflecting the mountain range right behind it. It was believed to be used as a map to demonstrate how to reach another settlement behind the nearest mountain.


An astrological stone used to mark summer and winter solstices.


Llamas in the central courtyard.


Temple of the Condor. The central stone on the ground represents its head, while two large stones behind it represent its wings.


Looking towards the farm terraces.


A crypt inside the city, with the steps representing part of Andean religious belief that is related to the form of the Andean Cross.


Looking back.








Eating lunch after our final day. From left to right, Constanza, Silvio, Gerald, Myself, Krishna, Vivek, Sami, Arhmelle, Romina and Patricia.


Our guide Ernesto and I, both glad to be finished!

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