The ‘lost’ Inca city of Machu Picchu is the Highlight of South America with a big letter H! It’s the most spectacular archaeological site on the continent. World-famous for its stunning location, craftsmanship and mysterious past. Machu Picchu lies on the border of the Andes and the Amazon which makes its scenery unique in any possible way. Many backpackers reach Machu Picchu on foot by walking along the popular Inca Trail. Book your Machu Picchu tickets in advance as only 1500 tourists per day are allowed to enter the site. Get your tickets here.
I spent a day walking around the breathtaking (literally) site of Machu Picchu and climbing the steep Huayna Picchu in early 2012. The day started rainy and foggy, this definitely helped to create an even more mysterious atmosphere. Here’s my photo essay of that day.
Photo Essay
I was waiting with a bunch of vicuñas (national animal of Peru) early in the morning for the fog to pass.
Left: The view through one of the windows of the Hut of the Caretaker of the Funerary Rock – Right: Goodmorning, hairy friends!
A very foggy morning at Machu Picchu.
The fog cleared up and revealed Machu Picchu’s breathtaking location.
The fog starts to clear up!
Machu Picchu is situated in a beautiful mountainous region.
To get the classic postcard shot, climb the zigzagging staircase from the ticket gate to the Hut of the Caretaker of the Funerary Rock.
I’m at Machu Picchu! A dream comes true!
The classic postcard shot of Machu Picchu.
The views on the agricultural terraces and plaza are fabulous.
The agricultural terraces.
More terraces.
The Hut of the Caretaker of the Funerary Rock gives you a visual fix of the whole site. No words to describe this stunning view.
Machu Picchu is a fascinating site.
No words to describe this amazing view.
The ‘lost’ city of Machu Picchu used to be inhabited by roughly 700 people. Nowadays only by vicuñas.
Incredible ancient city and location!
A lonesome vicuña enjoying his lunch. Not a bad place for a lunch!
Machu Picchu has many interesting sights like the Temple of the Sun and the Royal Palace.
People were actually living here back in the days, fascinating!
Machu Picchu definitely earns the name Wonder of the World.
Behind the ruins of Machu Picchu lies the steep-sided mountain of Huayna Picchu of which the summit can be reached in an hour. Only 400 tourists per day are allowed to climb Huayna Picchu. Get your tickets in advance here.
Left: I couldn’t stop taking pictures of Machu Picchu – Right: The view from the summit of Huayna Picchu
On my way to the summit of Huayna Picchu.
Bird’s-eye view from Machu Picchu.
The view from the summit onto Machu Picchu is spectacular. It gives you an incredible bird’s-eye view.
The view from Huayna Picchu onto Machu Picchu.
It’s a very steep climb, but the view is so worth the effort!
It’s fascinating to see how the Inca’s were able to build the city of Machu Picchu on top and in between all these mountains.
Machu Picchu from above.
I could stare at this view for hours!
I could stare at this view for hours. The zigzagging road on the left is the road which you will take if you come from the tourist village of Aguas Calientes which leads to the entrance of Machu Picchu.
How were they able to build Machu Picchu such high up in the mountains? Unbelievable!
Machu Picchu looks so small from way up here!
Machu Picchu is with no doubt one of the most fascinating wonders of the modern world. The first glimpse on the ‘lost’ Inca city literally takes your breath away.
Wanna see more travel pics? Check out my Photo Gallery
