It was just our luck, there was a transport strike on the day we were travelling to Machu Picchu. The trains were still running, it just meant that we had to leave Cuzco at 5:30am instead of 6:30am, and of course, we didn't actually end up boarding the train until 6:30 anyway.
A very slow train trip took us past lots of small villages and some amazing scenery. 4.5 hours later we arrived in Aguas Calientes - a small (touristy) village near Machu Picchu. After some (extremely cheesy) pizza with our personal guide, we took the 25min bus up the side of a mountain to Machu Picchu.
The ruins were absoltely breathtaking. We were perched on the top of a mountain, with literally nothing (at times) between us and a very long fall into the river 400 metres below.
Our guide explained the theories about the Incas and what the ruins were used for. We explored why they would have chosen this incredibly remote location for their home and how they made it practical.
The mountain we were on was surrounded by a range of other mountains. You should get an idea what we mean when you see the video once we return.
Tonight we catch the return train to Cuzco to sleep in preperation for an early flight to Lima, then Quito in Ecuador. Then off to the Galapagos Islands.
6 comments:
hi guys, boy did we have trouble sending this...in the end Jamie had to log in under his password (he's not impressed !!). The pictures were great, we get such a thrill everytime we see the new things your experiencing, can't believe you're there. Keep up the comments.....be prepared for lots of family dinners when you come home !!!! Lots and lots of love. Jen xxxxxxx
So, why did the Incas build the city on the mountain top? What was the guide's explanation for how it was practical?
That must have been awesome to be on that 400m cliff!
Awesome pics too!
Well, I´m glad you asked Shiloh :D
The Incas (apparantly) decided to build their city on that particular mountain because:
-1 It's isolated. The theory is that is was used for a place for study and religious growth,
-2 It's the only flat mountain in the region,
-3 Its a very defensible position, almost 360 degree views from the surrounding mountain tops.
-4 Because the Machu Picchu itself is slightly lower than the mountain behind it, it receives water run-off from the higher peaks. There is actually an awesome system for getting the water into the middle of the city. We've got photos somewhere...
I'm sure you didn't actually want to know the answers, but you did ask :P
Hey Parents,
Its great to receive your comments. Keep 'em coming!
We tried to give you a call today, but (for some ridiculous reason) reverse charge doesn't work in Peru. We didn't have enough Soles left to make the call ourselves.
We're about to post about a new disaster...
I can't wait to see the video! It looks oh so mystical! I was impressed with Jason's thorough answer to Shiloh's question... almost suspiciously so! Has Shiloh been planted to ask particular questions? It there a scam brewing beneath the surface of this seemingly innocent blog? As the self appointed Oreos, Bad Coffee and Huge Tortises watchdog, I will be monitoring this closely.
Ha ha! No, I really did want to know! Thanks for the educational response, Jason!
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