Machu Picchu

On Tuesday morning, we took the earliest bus (5:30) to Machu Picchu. It was a perfect morning to go. We got there just in time to see the sun rise up over the site. Machu Picchu is one of the most amazing places we have ever seen. The location itself is spectacular, and when you climb the steps and get your first glimpse of the ruins, it litterally takes your breath away!
Machu Picchu is the best known Inca site, however, little is known about what its function was. Archaeologists have different theories and speculations about why it was built and when it became uninhabited (the Spanish Conquistadors never found it). Although, because of the quality of stonework and detailed ornaments, it must have been a place for ceremonies.
It was fun walking through the maze-like ruins. We passed ceremonial baths, towers used for astronomy, altars, tombs, and an amazing carved rock pillar in which the Incas were able to predict the solstices by using the angles. We were impressed. Now I remember why I studied Anthropology!
Doug and I also did a short walk next to the ruins. It was more of a steep climb up a mountain called Huayua Picchu. The top gave us a great view of the back of the ruins.
Pictures to come soon....