After visiting Chile and Bolivia on a trip to South America, I ended by visiting Peru. Of course no visit to Peru would be complete without seeing Machu Picchu, the famous Inca city hidden in the mountains that the Spanish Conquistadors never found.
Because of the main Incan sites Peru is a popular destination for travellers and some parts are now a little commercial but it was still a great place to wind up my South America trip.
A small walkway between two buildings. The Inca style blocks can be seen on the building on the left.
Sillustani is a pre-Incan burial ground on the shores of Lake Umayo near Puno in Peru. The tombs, which are built above ground in tower-like structures called chullpas, are the remains of the Colla people, Aymara who were conquered by the Inca in the 15th century. The structures housed the remains of complete family groups, although they were probably limited to nobility.
A view down over the city and the main Plaza de Armas
This guy was part of a public safety message and was telling people off for walking on the road or crossing when the traffic was still coming.
This sculpture (The Kiss) by Victor Delfín sits in the “Love Park” by the Pacific Ocean in the Miraflores district of Lima. Many newlyweds visit the park to pose in front of the sculpture. It also draws throngs of lovers from all areas of Lima celebrating Valentine’s Day each February 14.
One of the main entrances to the city.
Ollantaytambo is the main starting point for the trains to Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail. Above the newer village are the ruins of an Incan settlement.
The bridge across the river and path up the hillside are the beginning of the Inca Trail, the four day, three night walk to Machu Picchu.
We stayed one night in Yucay and the next morning was free. a couple of us decided to take a stroll up into the mountains to see an old mill and some rock paintings. We ended up far higher than we planned.
People in Peru like their Jelly and vendors can often be seen with trays of these brightly coloured desserts, set in plastic cups.
A slightly tame Llama in the courtyard of an artisan market we stopped at.
The classic view of Machu Picchu just as the sun crests the mountain off to the right.
Abra la Raya is the high pass (4,338m) and the point between the valley that drains into Lake Titicaca to the South and Cusco in the North.
We stayed one night in Yucay and the next morning was free. a couple of us decided to take a stroll up into the mountains to see an old mill and some rock paintings. We ended up far higher than we planned.
Built on the top of a mountain, the Machu Picchu site spill down the sides of the hill in terraces.
The streets in Cusco are very narrow in places sometimes with barely enough space for pedestrians and cars to pass.