Machu Picchu

Sept. 21 was our first day at Machu Picchu, and although we had seen roaming llamas from a distance that day, it wasn't until the 22nd that we saw them up close.

 

Here's a llama just lounging on one of the terrances near the Hut of the Caretaker.

 

Here are two alpacas (at least, we think that's what they were) grazing.  The authorities at the site have brought in llamas to keep the grass short.

Oh, and if I've mistakenly called something a llama when it's a vicunya or an alpaca or something, please forgive me. I just know that some are hairier than others, but that they're all pretty cute little things.

 

Here's another llama grazing, with the beautiful view behind it.


 

That's me, trying to get close enough to pet one. It's fur feels a lot like a sheep.


 

To give a fuller view of the ruins, here's a postcard we found there. It gives you an idea of just how big the ruins are.


 

This is a postcard I've doctored-up, so that you can see the general route of the trail up the mountain. For awhile, it's deceptively easily (ie, at least mostly horizontal), and then it just gets steeper and steeper.