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The Lost City of the Incas, or Machu Picchu, is one of the most famous archeological sites in the world and the most sought after destination in South America. Nearly one thousand visitors find their way here every day. Discovered in 1911 by North American Hiram Bingham, this mysterious city is nestled in the Andes Mountains miles from any other form of civilization. It is unknown what exactly this city was used for but most historians agree that it was a vital part of the Inca civilization. The great reign of the Incas lasted for merely 100 years but at its height it stretched from the borders of Ecuador to Chile covering an enormous region of Peru. The Incas were overtaken by the Spanish in the 16th century and the Spanish conquistadors destroyed many of the Incan cities.
I woke up at 4:30 a.m. to reach Machu Picchu in time for the sunrise. It is an incredible site! The stone walls sit majestically on the mountainside telling a great story of people who lived and died in this remote region. For miles around there is nothing but mountains. I wonder how and why the Incas decided to build their
city here. There are pathways and terraces, altars and a central plaza. It truly is magnificient!
I hiked up Wayna Picchu, which is the tall mountain behind Machu Picchu. The climb is straight up and takes about an hour to 90 minutes to climb offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains and Urubamba River. I was glad I had spent 2 days in Cuzco adjusting to the altitude. It would have been impossible to climb if I hadnĀ“t acclimated to the altitude.
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anonymous
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youu look sooo skinny beta...are you not eeatting properlyy!!!...haha