After we basked in our glory for a few moments, Carlos gave us the bad news. Our group had to exit Machu Picchu, get our tickets, and then wait in the long line to re-enter the park. It was all very Disney-esque and quite a shock after the peacefulness of the Inca Trail.
After we went back in the park (while it was still raining off and on), Carlos gave us an extensive tour.
This used to be a fountain. The Inca had a very intricate water system.
The terraces seemed to go on forever.
This was a temple.
This was the Temple of the Sun. During the winter equinox, the sun lines up with its window.
Contrary to popular belief, underground caves are causing the walls to sink, not earthquakes.
There are speculations this loop was part of a lock system for the doorway.
We couldn't get enough of the interlocking stones! No mortar, no glue, nothing in between them.
I could not get enough of the mountains! The pictures do not do them justice. It was like being in Avatar. They were gorgeous.
We walked up to where ritual ceremonies were performed. The view was fantastic.
This was the temple.
Carlos gave us the same explanation for the Andean cross which Percy had given us earlier. It's a four-sided cross. The sides are made of three steps each. There are multiple meanings for them:
1 - The three worlds: Underworld, Human Life, Upper World
2 - Inca values: Love, knowledge, work
3 - Commandments: Do not steal, do not lie, do not be lazy
4 - Sacred animals: Snake (underworld), puma (this world), condor (gods world)
This is half of the cross.
This section is generally believed to be the quarry most of the stones in Machu Picchu came from and is the one reason they feel the construction on the site was not complete when the Inca were forced to abandon it.
The main square.
This was a sacred stone. During the winter equinox, it casts no shadow. It also has some sort of magnetic pull.
Our awesome guides Manuel and Carlos.
Another interesting tidbit we learned from Carlos: Hiram Bingham (who re-discovered Machu Picchu), paid an Andean farmer 1 Peruvian sole to climb up those tall mountains and show him the ruins.
Those mountains!
Look, a two-story house!
Can you see the trail along the side of the mountain?
I've outlined it below. That is the trail leading from the Sun Gate (on the left) into Machu Picchu. We hiked along it to get into the park.
And now, the most popular photo of Machu Picchu! We were so happy the rain cleared up and we saw the sun!
We did it!
After spending hours in the park, we met up with our group for one last time during lunch in the town, Aguas Calientes. Carlos distributed our certificates. I'll keep it forever!
After lunch we found our hotel where we enjoyed long, hot showers with great water pressure. Then we slept for a long time and went out to find dinner.
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