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Inka_880S2628_The clouds gave way to our first glimpse of Machu Picchu_



Inka_880S2635_Machu Picchu was discovered in 1911 - it was completely overcome with vegetation since it was abandoned sometime in the late 16th Century_



Inka_880S2644_Our final walk along the terraces approaching Machu Picchu_



Inka_880S2652_A roof was rebuilt here to help people envision what the full city must have looked like_



Inka_880S2656_Because of the lack of a written records - no one knows the true history of Machu Picchu_



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Inka_880S2676_All of the terraces were built by the Incas - the dirt had to be hawled from a rather distant valley_



Inka_880S2689_Because of it's discovery in 1911, the town had been untouched since its abandonment for 300 years_



Inka_880S2691_The clouds came and went during the morning and provided an eerie feeling as we went back in time_



Inka_880S2693_The Incans built all of their sites on tops of mountains to be close to Inti - their Sun god_



Inka_880S2699_Some theorize that this was a holy temple, a university, or even a vacation site_



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Inka_880S2704_The canals had many levels, to provide water to all of the site_



Inka_880S2706_Cave leading under a special Inca carving_



Inka_880S2709_The Sun Temple is one of the best examples of Inca stonework._



Inka_880S2710_We could only view the Sun Temple from the outside, as they don't allow tourists to go inside._



Inka_880S2716_This is the doorway to what is thought to be the high priest's living quarters._



Inka_880S2721_Main entrance to Machu Picchu_



Inka_880S2722_Looking back on the main entrance to Machu Picchu_



Inka_880S2727_Intricate canal system in Machu Picchu_



Inka_880S2728_Intricate canal system in Machu Picchu_



Inka_880S2731_Many layers of doorways display very symmetrical architecture._



Inka_880S2735_Looking down on the Sun Temple - what an amazing view!_



Inka_880S2744_Looking down on the Sun Temple and the agricultural terraces below_



Inka_880S2746_A falcon perches in the rain on top of the ruins_



Inka_880S2748_A falcon perches in the rain on top of the ruins_



Inka_880S2754_Scenic view of Machu Picchu_



Inka_880S2759_Stone, perhaps an altar, with religious temple behind_



Inka_880S2761_This religious temple has suffered from some collapse but still survives many earthquakes_



Inka_880S2764_The three windows represents the trilogy of the 3 worlds of the Incas_



Inka_880S2767_View of the agricultural terraces and the Andes in the background_



Inka_880S2772_The Incas carved this stone to resemble the Southern Cross constellation, seen from the southern hemisphere, with amazing accuracy - the point is exactly due South._



Inka_880S2782_Agricultural terraces and Machu Picchu._



Inka_880S2791_Incan sun dial on top of Machu Picchu, the angle is exactly 13 degrees off of center, to reflect the latitude of Machu Picchu from the equator._



Inka_880S2799_Inca stone staircase_



Inka_880S2802_Tiny multi-colored moss grows on much of the ruins_



Inka_880S2805_These rounded stones were used to tie the roofs in place for shelter_



Inka_880S2811_These round stones were thought to be used as reflecting surfaces for viewing of the stars and their movements._



Inka_880S2813_The Incas carved many rocks to match the shapes of the Andes mountains beyond, as a show of respect for nature._



Inka_880S2815_These smooth rocks could have been used as slides during ceremonies_



Inka_880S2818_Fine Inca stonework_



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Inka_880S2826_Inca representation of a Condor, with a chain around its neck, portraying the Inca power._



Inka_880S2827_Inca representation of a Condor, with a chain around its neck, portraying the Inca power._



Inka_880S2832_Possible site where mummies may have been kept as reminders of those passed._



Inka_880S2835_Us in front of one of the only trees and plazas inside Machu Picchu_



Inka_880S2840_Looking up on the sacred temples_



Inka_880S2841_Fine Inca stonework_



Inka_880S2845_View of Machu Picchu from above on the opposite side to the Sun Temple_



Inka_880S2846_These 3 windows had an amazing view of the Andes_



Inka_880S2852_Intricate doorways leading into what might be the classrooms of the university_



Inka_880S2855_This section of Machu Picchu was probably the most peaceful with few visitors and a great view_



Inka_880S2856_Jen reflects on the day as we relaxed at the top of the ruins_



Inka_880S2871_Llamas were abundant around the entrance to Machu Picchu_



Inka_880S2880_View of Machu Picchu after the clouds have cleared._



Inka_880S2882_Another llama looks down on Machu Picchu_



Inka_880S2893_Mario and Ag ran back up to take a few photos of Machu Picchu after the sun came out_



Inka_880S2898_Ag makes friends with a llama near the entrance gate_



Inka_880S2901_Mario with Machu Picchu below_



Inka_880S2903_Colorful llama stands on top of Machu Picchu_



Inka_880S2906_Funny buck toothed smiling llama_



Inka_880S2909_Mario's llama friend and Machu Picchu_



Inka_880S2911_Mario's llama friend and Machu Picchu_



Inka_880S2912_Cute fluffy eared llama_



Inka_880S2921_Another view of Machu Picchu from afar_



Inka_880S2922_This young boy cheered on our bus at every switchback along the bus ride to Aguas Calientes._



Inka_880S2923_The bus finally let him on after we crossed the bridge into town_



Inka_880S2928_Central square in Aguas Calientes shows an Inca ruler_



Inka_880S2938_Relaxing in the VIP lounge in Lima airport before our flight to Santiago_