Machu Picchu

I wasn't expecting much from Machu Picchu. I had listened to a few days of disappointed reports from others that had just made the journey. Even more exhausting were Andrew's unending complaints about the extortion of PeruRail and of crowding of the ruins with gringos. I went anyways. Just like you can't go to Rome without seeing the Colleseum, Machu Picchu is one of those places that you have to check off the life-list.

It was raining and a bit cloudy on top of the mountain, but that added a little bit of intrigue and mysticism. I had slept in a little bit more than I had wanted, but got there a few hours before the hordes hit and was able to explore. As far as ruins go, Machu Picchu probably was not as impressive as Saqsaywaman or some others that we had visited in the Sacred Valley, but the location is pretty incredible. And, yes, it was worth it.

Machu Picchu at sunrise.

From Valle Sagrada and Machu Picchu

Peaking through the clouds.

From valle sagrada erin

Temple of the three windows.

From Valle Sagrada and Machu Picchu

The ruins.

From valle sagrada erin

Andrew on top of Wayna Picchu.

From Valle Sagrada and Machu Picchu

Money shot.

From Valle Sagrada and Machu Picchu

Ceremonial bath. (different from the type of shower below)

From Valle Sagrada and Machu Picchu

My favorite action shot. A llama that came to stand in front of where I was sitting, spread it hind legs, and took a huge rapid-fire dump while it pissed. Pretty impressive.

From valle sagrada erin

Inti huatana, hitching post of the sun. The Inca's sundial.

From Valle Sagrada and Machu Picchu