Machu Picchu Ruins

The sculpted rock stands six feet high, resting on a series of steps also carved out of the immense rock. It is reached by climbing a set of stairs behind the Main Temple.

It is believed that the Intihuatana served as a calendar as well as having a religious purpose. At midday on March 21 and September 21, the equinoxes, the sun is directly above above the pillar-casting no shadow. It appears that the Incas held ceremonies here at Machu Picchu on those occasions, "tying the sun to the rock" as it sat on top of the pillar.

The Temple of the Sun, also known as the "Torreon," consists of a semi-circular structure which surrounds a crypt carved out of rock. It is believed that this is the area where Pachacuti was entombed.

The Temple of the Sun was used for religious rituals worshiping the sun. At the solstice, the sun shines directly through the temple's circular window landing on the a large ceremonial stone within.

Many of the walls at Machu Picchu are still standing, despite having been built and abandoned so long ago. The Inca were experts at fitting stones together perfectly without the use of mortar; a construction technique known as "ashlar." This dry stone construction allows the stones to move slightly and resettle without the walls collapsing during earthquakes.

The trapezoidal design of windows and doors also shows their concern about earthquakes. Amazing that today we have so many buildings that collapse during earthquakes but these Inca architects from so long ago built structures to withstand them!

The Incas also were pretty advanced in their dealing with water, both in constructing drainage systems and in bringing fresh drinking water in to the city. Buildings and terraces were built with drainage systems that prevented water from damaging the foundations of the buildings. This is one reason that the ruins of Machu Picchu still contain many walls and recognizable buildings.

There is a natural spring that provides water to the city. The Incas built a clever collection system to maximize the water supply, and a series of fountains that brought the water to all different areas of the city.

The llama, a member of the camel family, is native to the Andes Mountains. Llamas have been domesticated since the time of the Incas, used as pack animals as well as for their wool, dung (used as fuel and fertilizer), leather hides, and meat.

Today, however, llamas are no longer found in the wild. Gregarious and very social animals, llamas are maintained in herds of usually about 20 animals - a male and several breeding females with their offspring. Llamas are knows to spit, and they do this as part of their method of maintaining their social hierarchy. Fortunately, though, they don't spit at humans! Since llamas are curious and friendly, if young llamas are over-socialized with people, they may treat them like llamas, which means they might spit, kick, neck wrestle, and chest butt you!

Many people have noted the spiritual power of Machu Picchu. Situated between the high peaks of the Andes Mountains, with the rushing waters of the Urubamba River below, it seems that the Incas built their city in this location not just for physical reasons. A connection to the mystical realms seems entirely probably in this remote, almost inaccessible, location that is often shrouded in misty clouds.

Even if you don't believe in or experience the spiritual power of Machu Picchu, it certainly rates as a mysterious and amazing place. And don't you think any of the inconveniences involved in getting there must all be worth it just for this view?