Machu Picchu remains an unsolved mystery. There is no clear idea why the Inca Empire built it. The Spanish never found Machu Picchu, and few Inca descendents were aware it existed. An American historian re-discovered Machu Picchu by accident in 1911, while looking for a different Inca city.
Above is the classic Machu Picchu photograph, with its Central Plaza in the middle, surrounded by the remains of roofless stone buildings and steep Inca terraces. The stone work and terraces remain impressive. The huge mountain, center right, is Huayna Picchu, which can be climbed; but I decided against it. The best photos were from this location by the Caretaker's Hut, high enough for me. |