Machu Picchu

The journey to Machu Picchu on a narrow gauge train was an experience in itself. The town below Machu Picchu, Aqua Calienta is built into the cliffs. Lots of people were at Machu Picchu and it was an awesome spectacle and we can only wonder how the workers constructed this city in such a remote area. Only discovered by Hiram Bingham in 1911.

We started our train ride at Ollantaytambo We were seated in the front seats We started our train ride at Ollantaytambo We were seated in the front seats	The narrow gauge train follows the Urabamba river gorge The narrow gauge train follows the Urabamba river gorge	One of many tunnels along the way One of many tunnels along the way	High above along the way were more Inca ruins High above along the way were more Inca ruins
Our first view of Machu Picchu from the bus that carried us to the top 2,000 feet above the river Our first view of Machu Picchu from the bus that carried us to the top 2,000 feet above the river	The obligatory couple at Machu Picchu picture The obligatory couple at Machu Picchu picture	Carole overlooking the farming terraces that supported the 500 people who lived here Carole overlooking the farming terraces that supported the 500 people who lived here	Some of the fine stone work Some of the fine stone work
The Urabamba river far below The Urabamba river far below	Carole showing how the Incas built Machu Picchu in harmony with the natural rock formations Carole showing how the Incas built Machu Picchu in harmony with the natural rock formations	Our excellent private guide next to a sacred stone Our excellent private guide next to a sacred stone	Carole on the edge of a cliff Carole on the edge of a cliff
Farming terraces with Huana Picchu in the background Farming terraces with Huana Picchu in the background	Huana Picchu has temples way at the top Probably would be more popular if it was not a vertical climb of several thousand feet Huana Picchu has temples way at the top Probably would be more popular if it was not a vertical climb of several thousand feet	The cermonial town center and agricultural terraces The cermonial town center and agricultural terraces	A spring high above Machu Picchu brought water to the city for drinking and sanitation A spring high above Machu Picchu brought water to the city for drinking and sanitation
Channels both above and below ground were cut to bring the water in to entire area Water still flows through the channels Channels both above and below ground were cut to bring the water in to entire area Water still flows through the channels	Roofs were made of thatch Roofs were made of thatch	With water, sun and rain the community was self sufficient With water, sun and rain the community was self sufficient