Cusco and Machu Picchu

Really?

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Our guide showed us this postcard which he insisted had not been doctored. Taken from the right angle in the right lighting I can see it being possible. I think a lens slightly distorted the view.

Inca observatory

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Built to admit sunlight from the summer solstice through the window directly ahead and the winter solstice from the other large window around to the right. Light was projected onto a “calendar” on the large central stone.

IntoHuatana stone

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More than just a sun dial, but scientists are still not sure of its other functions. No written records unfortunately.

Southern Cross Compass

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Our guide used the compass on his cell phone to demonstrate the perfect alignment. On our drive back to Cusco we had wonderful views of the Southern Cross and the Milky Way. Interesting that the Inca found llama, pumas and snakes in the stars.

Roofing

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All roofs were constructed of wooden beams and Andes grass. Here you can see in a reconstruction how the beams were lashed to stone supports.

Intipunku, the Sun Gate

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We hiked a further 1000’ above MP on the second day of our visit. We went with new friends David and Christina from London. We agreed later that we may not have done it if not for the other couple as it was raining and all clouded in when we set out.

Intipunku the Sun Gate

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1000’ above Machu Picchu. It was worth the climb for the superb view.

Sun Gate

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At the winter solstice the sun shines directly through the large gate to the left, then through the window of the observatory below. The Inca people were accomplished astronomers.

Terracing

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These were designed to prevent erosion and are filled with gravel, not used for cultivation. The American Bingham took credit for discovering Machu Picchu after being led there by locals. Now, most of the treasures from the site are displayed at Yale University which helped finance his expedition. Bingham is not well loved by the guides.

The clouds roll back in

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Somehow it added to the mystique of Machu Picchu to see it shrouded in cloud.

Quechua Christianity

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This painting is displayed in the Cusco Cathedral and we have seen similar versions in Quito and Lima of the Last Supper. Note the meal on the table is cuy, guinea pig. The figure lower right where Judas belongs is the loathed Pizarro, conquerer of the Inca. The Peruvian artist got away with it!

“The Black Jesus”

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Also on display in Cusco Cathedral. I had to buy postcards as photos are strictlcly forbidden. The salesperson knew exactly which postcards I wanted before I asked! The Spanish tried everything to convert the conquered Inca people to Christianity, including burning their priests at the stake. When they realized that the Inca people needed physical images that they could relate to, the Spanish made a number of these images of Christ on the cross. It seems to have had moderate success.

Farewll drink

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We spent several really enjoyable days with David & Christina.

Incan Farewell!

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This very talented performer really looked the part and could play a whole variety of authentic instruments, for a small fee... And so ends our Great Adventure.