Machu Picchu

5.29.14

We got a. 5:30 am  wake up call this morning to catch a train for Machu Picchu. 

They limit the number of visitors to 2500 visitors a day. We figured it brings in over $100 million dollars a year. 

Machu Picchu means old peak 7000 ft  an is the site of a royal hacienda.

Trust me the pictures don't do I justice I will post pictures from my big camera to Dropbox when I get home. 

  

Spanish came collecting gold. The Incas were forced to move to Bilcabumba.  In 1500 the last Incans were defeated. Harvard professor Hiram Bingham followed a rivet. The owner of resting place helped him find Machi Picchu. Two other families came before —there was Grafutti. But, in1911 Hiram

Bingham had the backing from the govt and national geographic that the previous explorers did not. 

The main destruction caused by over growth.

The temple areas were made from white granite from the mountain without mortar.  The stones were cut to fit together perfectly. Carved in steps indicated it was a holy place.

States of life were sky earth and underworld. The Incans didn't believe in heaven and hell but in reincarnation. It was there hopes they would come back to correct the mistakes they made in the previous life. 

This structure shows the Incas when to plant their crops with cast  shawdows similar to how a sundial tells time. 

Llamas were brought on to help maintain the grounds.

We made it to the top seeing magnificent views along the way. Now we're on the train that carries us out of the mountains. Then we have a bus ride to Cusco getting back at. 8 pm. Time for a Siesta. 

Even our guide, Washinton is tired.