Quechua citadel of MACHU PICCHU

The Lost City of the Incas is saddled between the mountains of Machu Picchu (Old Peak) & Huayna Picchu (Young Peak) with the roaring Urubamba River winding around it. It is located ~7800 ft above sea level, was built around 1400AD and brought to international attention by Hiram Bingham in 1911. Met the Mayor of Cusco during our hike and he invited us to join him as they taped the 100 year anniversary celebration video of Machu Picchu. The minister of culture and many other dignitaries were also present. As we departed, the Mayor gave me a copy of the seal of Cusco as a memorabilia.

We climbed the high, steep mountain of Huyana Picchu at 7am when the entire site was covered with clouds. It is the peak seen behind the lost city and is ~1300 feet higher than Machu. The terrain is difficult and the hike very strenuous & dangerous. Handrails are limited, the climb involves crawling through a tunnel on your hands & knees and finally up a ladder to the peak. Many times one has to crawl down very small, extremely steep, slippery & tall steps. If you don't pay attention it is very easy to fall into the deep Valley of the Urubamba.

Overall an amazingly memorable day!