Machu Picchu 2000

The first "Kodak moment", as pointed out by our friendly guide Guillermo. Looking down at Cusco and its cathedral from above. In Inca times, the city was apparently shaped like a puma. Spanish colonial additions have totally changed the shape and look of the city. The first Llamas and their keepers just waiting for a photo-op. The fuzzy-looking one is an alpahaca. Llamas and their keepers just waiting for a photo-op. The fuzzy-looking one is an alpahaca.
Quick, before someone steps into the picture! Quick, before someone steps into the picture! Dara enjoying the view of the Sacred Valley. Dara enjoying the view of the Sacred Valley.
The mayors of the Valley, gathering for mass at the church by the market. The mayors of the Valley, gathering for mass at the church by the market. Dara at the bottom of the stairs leading through the terraces of Ollantatambo, one of many standing Inca structures. Dara at the bottom of the stairs leading through the terraces of Ollantatambo, one of many standing Inca structures.
The town of Ollantatambo. What has changed since Inca times, mostly, are the facades of the buildings. The foundations are original Inca construction. The town of Ollantatambo. What has changed since Inca times, mostly, are the facades of the buildings. The foundations are original Inca construction. Dara at the Temple of the Sun. Note the distinctive Inca cross carved into the smoothly polished stone. Dara at the Temple of the Sun. Note the distinctive Inca cross carved into the smoothly polished stone.
Taking the narrow trail to the other side of the mountain. Taking the narrow trail to the other side of the mountain. Dara on the narrow footpath at Ollantatambo. Dara on the narrow footpath at Ollantatambo.
Dara looking like she's enjoying herself despite the rain. Dara looking like she's enjoying herself despite the rain. Snowmelt from the high mountains cuts these ravines across the plains. Pretty, ain't it? Snowmelt from the high mountains cuts these ravines across the plains. Pretty, ain't it?
Having left the Sacred Valley, we came to this high-altitude market and more stunning views. Me at the foot of the cross. Having left the Sacred Valley, we came to this high-altitude market and more stunning views. Me at the foot of the cross. The sun is out, the views are pretty, and best of all we're off that awful bus. The trail begins! The sun is out, the views are pretty, and best of all we're off that awful bus. The trail begins!
Look how tall Dara is! Look how tall Dara is! Dara on the trail. Dara on the trail.
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