This sculpture is no longer thought to be a sundial but is most likely a solar observatory, sacrificial altar, or a temple aligned with the mountains and their apus (gods).
Peru Day 3: Machu Picchu November 20th 2014 Today was a very long day starting with a 6:00 AM bus to Ollantaytambo. From Ollantaytambo, we took the Perurail Vistadome train to Machu Picchu. The train ride was very scenic and you could catch glimpses of the Inca Trail all along the ride. We saw a few ruins on the sides of the mountains and many terraces. The ride followed the Urubamba river all the way to Aguas Calientes which is the village ... read more
South America » Peru » Cusco » Machu Picchu Ancient Peru was the seat of several prominent Andean civilizations, most notably that of the Incas whose empire was captured by the Spanish conquistadors in 1533. Peruvian independence was declared in 1821, and remaining Spanish forces defeated in 1... ... read more
It wasn't until my mid-thirties that I really got serious about traveling. For me, it is a part of the definition of who I am today. Seeing new places and experiencing new cultures inspires me. Whether I travel with friends or by myself, I find the experience enriching. I do find it hard to leave my dog, Skyla, at home and I hope to find ways in 2015 to bring her along with me while traveling in the US.
In the past, I would post updates during my travels on Facebook but it didn't permit me to capture as much as I could by journaling. I find myself forgetting the names of places I've b... full info