Machu Picchu a Photo Story

The famous twelve-angled stone. Each stone is hand shaped to lock perfectly with one another and make this wall

As a continuation of last month's found photos, I thought I would share some of my favorite Machu Picchu pics. The fact that I got to visit this world heritage sight was a great fortune. When I arrived in Peru in January 2010, the mountain regions were experiencing significant precipitation and thus flooding and landslides. So much so that Machu Picchu was closed to tourists... that is until early April just a week or so before I was set to return to the States. Immediately I booked a tour and made my way to the city of Cusco.

Ancient ruins

Climbing the verdant mountains

And finally atop Machu Picchu making friends

SeeSooMuch_MachuPicchu

The Sun Temple form above

And from below

The ruins were stunning

And an aerial view of Machu Picchu from taller Wayna Picchu after a long hike

Peru's Colca Canyon

I was rummaging through my Flickr account this weekend while sick in bed and rediscovered a few photos from my 2010 trip to Peru. I visited Peru for over three months, living in the southern city of Arequipa and visiting many places such as the beaches of Camana, Lake Titicaca and Machu Picchu from there. But one of the very first trips I made was outside of Arequipa the city and deeper into Arequipa the region. This post is dedicated to reminiscing on my tour from the city into the mountains and out to Rio Colca. Because I didn't have that many photos I found myself googling to remember all the different places I visited and decided to include a few links so you can "visit" them too!

Admiring the geology of Patahuasi

Admire the landscape for yourself!

Chucura Volcano

First look up close look of the Andes

Atop Cruz del Condor with an actual condor!

Experience Condor Point for yourself

Quechua girl in traditional dress

Chilling with a hawk in Yanque

The Church of the Immaculate Conception of Yanque and the dancing ladies

Check out the the entire square

Best dressed llama in Yanque

Grazing llamas and alpacas

Colca River and a view of the valley

See this amazing view