Machu Picchu

Everyone has already seen tons of pictures of Machu Picchu elsewhere, and better ones too, but here are some of mine. It was drizzling almost the entire time we were there, so I didn't get as many pictures as I would have liked. But the rain didn't bother me at all: in fact, it created a rather mystical backdrop, more so than sun would have, and evoked mystery and silence. Machu Picchu doesn't disappoint in any weather. Like has been said so many, many times: Machu Picchu is an unforgettable splendor. It is awe-inspiring, humbling, and stirring.

Ready to get on the train to head to the town of Aguas Calientes, where we spent the night in order to get on the first 5 am bus to Machu Picchu in the morning.

Now THIS is a river! The Rio Ucaylali that winds its way around the base of the mountains that house Machu Picchu. On a river-running scale of 1 to 5, I think this one is a  9! A pretty good enemy deterrant, but how did the first Machu Picchu builders cross it?

I love bromeliads, and the forests surrounding Machu Picchu and on the Inca Trail were full of them.

And here are some scenes of the staggering site itself:

We spent almost the entire day wandering around here. From 6 in the morning until about 3 in the afternoon, then we walked back to Aguas Calientes on the Inca Trail, enjoying the lush forests and birdlife.