Even with the clouds Machu Picchu is beautiful
One of the reasons the terraces have lasted so long is the way they were constructed. The foundation went down about 6 ft and was filled with sand and rock so that water could drain easily. They also served as retaining walls.
I am still obsessed with the beauty of the terraces. There are over 700 at Machu Picchu.
There are over 100 buildings on the site. Nearly all are this design with thatched roofs. They put the roofs back on these few structures so we can get a feel for what the city looked like.
The Inca had rocks that jutted out on their structures so they could attach the roofs.
Most of the houses were two story. The lower story was for sleeping and cooking and the upper was for storing food, clothes, and other belongings.
The Peruvian National Parks now has a policy of having indigenous animals on the sites. I have zillions of photos of these guys.
This creature was guarding some of the important sites.
Another unexpected part of the place is the flowers and orchids.
The hotel I'm staying--The Sanctuary Lodge is right by the entrance to Machu Picchu.
I took this photo from the patio of my room. Everything is included including all meals, drinks, room service, mini-bar and they even will do 2 pieces of laundry per day.
Tomorrow I leave for Cusco.
