Machu Picchu Take 3

While less than 1/10th of 1% of the world's population has ever had the opportunity to visit Machu Picchu, I have been blessed with the opportunity to visit this magical place for the third time in my life this week. A United Nations World Heritage Site and one of the Top Ten Wonders of the World.

To quote the UN's description: "Standing 2,430 meters above sea level, in the midst of a tropical mountain forest in an extraordinarily beautiful setting, Machu Picchu was probably the most amazing urban creation of the Inca Empire at its height. Its giant walls, terraces and ramps seem as if they have been cut naturally in the continuous rock escarpments. The natural setting, on the eastern slopes of the Andes, encompasses the upper Amazon basin with its rich diversity of flora and fauna...The construction of this amazing city, set out according to a very rigorous plan, comprises one of the most spectacular creations of the Inca Empire. It appears to date from the period of the two great Incas, Pachacutec Inca Yupanqui (1438-71) and Tupac Inca Yupanqui (1472-93)."

To get to Machu Picchu, one must take a two-hour bus ride from Cusco, followed by a 1.5 hour train ride and then another 20 minute bus ride up the steep slope before reaching the park entrance. There is not one picture that does this venue justice - it's something you must see in person to believe with your own eyes.

For all of the pictures of my journey to Machu Picchu, click here.