… and Machu Picchu
We made it. A 3am start meant we arrived at the ‘Sun Gate’ in time for sunrise, with the prospect of spectacular views of Machu Picchu. Unfortunately the ‘Sun Gate’ didn’t live up to it’s name and dense fog prevented us from seeing much until we descended a little further. As soon as the fog lifted and the ruins came into sight, the views were genuinely spectacular and well worth getting up for – particularly to get some shots of Machu Picchu before the bus loads of tourists arrived later that morning.
Machu Picchu was never completed by the Incas as they abandoned the site before the Spanish conquest. It’s estimated that around 500 people lived there (as well as the many visiting pilgrims) and around 2000 Inca’s were involved in building the site over a period of up to 100 years. The site remained untouched until 1911 when Hiram Bingham discovered the site whilst exploring other Inca ruins in the area. The Incas didn’t have any form of written language, so there are no documents or inscriptions relating to Machu Picchu, leaving a great deal of uncertaintly and mystery around the site. There are a number of theories around what the area was actually used for, although the general concensus is that it was a sacred religious site. Machu Picchu was recently voted one of the New 7 Wonders of the World…we’re now keen to see the other 6!
Southern Hemisphere Shenanigans... 