The Wonder of Machu Picchu

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It has been called one of the Wonders of the World and I can understand the reason why, but the problemis that there are many others who think the same. We arrived at 10.30am and it appeared that all the other tourists in Peru were there as well. Although there are restrictions on numbers walking the Inca Trail leading to Machu Picchu there is no restriction on the number of people entering this wonderful site. The authorities need to address this problem as the sheer number of visitors detracts from the beauty and special atsmosphere of this abandoned Inca settlement
Fortunately I was there for the day and after lunch the crowds just disappeared. Most of them had returned to the town at the base of Machu Picchu to catch the train back to Cusco. There only two ways of getting to Machu Picchu - by the Inca trail or by train.
After the disappearance of the crowds I just wandered around and savoured the sights and the atsmosphere. This is an experience I will treasure.
Why is Machu Picchu so special? Firstly its location. It is perched high up in the mountains with stunning views all round. At the lower reaches of the mountain is tropical forest and in the valley far below is the river finding its way to the Amazon. Secondly is the architecture and construction. This was an Inca settlement that contains temples and sacred areas, royal palaces, fountains,substantial homes for its residents and agricultural strips on staggered levels. The fact that this settlement was constructed on top of a mountain from local stone is a wonder in itself.
Fortunately it escaped destruction by the Spanish when they were conquering the country in the 1530s. They did not get to know about it and thus it was saved.There is evidence to show that parts of the settlement were still under construction when it was abandoned. It is thought that the the threat of possible capture by the Spanish led to it being abandoned
It was ''discovered'' in 1911 by an American called Hiram Bingham. He found it in an overgrown state and only the stonework remained. The locals say he did not discover it as they knew about it all along. To make matters worse Hiram Bingham collected up all the goodies left behind by the Incas and took them back to the USA where they are now exhibited. The Peruvians now want all the goodies back as they claim they were stolen from them.
I am posting some of the many photos I took but they are only photos and do not convey the full picture. Take it from me this is special place to visit and if you get an opportunity then take it without hesitation.

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Photos

Machu Picchu
Upon entering the site you wend your way up a track and upon reaching the top this is the view. Stunning

John and the Inca Stonework
Picture taken by one of the temple walls. Another fine example of Inca stonework

Comments

[Jayne Adams]

Another wonder of the world to treasure, John. It looks amazing, and your photos together with great narrative really helps bring it alive for us back at home. I hope that now Mum and Dad are staying with Lynne they will be able to read this also, and keep up to date with your travels. Take care - Jayne xx

[D MJ Binkley]

An amazing place
Indeed one of the great wonders of the world.