MAchu Picchu, Peru --- January 23 & 24, 2012

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Machu Picchu, the lost city of the Inca's, was not really lost. There was a family living there when a boy led Hiram Bingham to the site in 1911. However it was Hiram who announced the site to the world and who was responsible for clearing much of the site which over the centuries nature had claimed back for itself. The extraordinary beauty with the impressive heritage of human accomplishment in a challenging location. The ruins are situated on the eastern slope of Machu Picchu (Machu Picchu means old mountain) in two separate areas -- agriculture and urban. The latter includes civil sector ( dwellings and canalizations) and the sacred sector (temples, mauoleums, squares and royal houses).

Our journey to Machu Picchu was done on board the Hirma Bingham train. In itself traveling on this train is an experience that we will remember for years to come. We boarded the train in the Sacred Valley which was convenient, normally one would board in Cuzco but due to landsides the portion of track between Cuzco and the Sacred Valley was closed. The rail track follows the Urubamba River which in January was running wild. The scenery on the trip was outstanding as was the serive. When you board you are shouwn to your seta served a chilled glass of wine, have the opportunity to visit the bar car and later enjoy a delious meal. While you are eating one of the staff explains what you are passing and upon our arrival that person becomes your guide to Machu Picchu. On our return to the Sacred Valley we were served Pissco Sours (very good), in addition the muscians within the bar car got things really hopping, making our return trip a lot of fun.

Upon our arrival in the town of Machu Picchu we all boarded buses to take the windy road up to the ruins. I will let our pictures tell the rest of the story.

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Photos

Hiram Bingham Train
Looking back from the bar car

Hiram Bingham Train
Fine Dining

Hiram Bingham Train
The musicans on the train

Hiram Bingham Train
One can take the Inca Trail up to Machu Oicchu, but on the final leg of the hike one has to have a porter. This is one crossing a bridge. The last portion is the steepest and you will have to sleep on the trail.

Machu Picchu
Some lamas feeding on the terraces