Post two of my Peru images.  Arriving at Machu Picchu. I don’t think Hiram Bingham saw Machu Picchu like this in 1911. As a matter of fact, it was covered in vines and other vegetation. But the archeologist discovered the remains with help from the locals and eventually determined that this was the lost capital of the Inca Empire. This view has been disputed since many think Vilcabamba was the real lost city.  Most impressive is its precisely-cut stone walls, bound together without mortar. It is thought that Machu Picchu was built around 1450.

 

 

 

From nearby Huayna Picchu, which rises steeply  850 feet above the ruins. It’s amazing from this view to see that Machu Picchu is rather small compared to the surrounding landscape.

 

The climb up Huayna Picchu is very, very steep……

 

My friend Bob stood out amongst the ruins. We arrived early in the morning when it wasn’t so crowded.

 

 

 

 

My friend Jennifer poses.