Machu Picchu is one of the most amazing places in the world! I had every intention to hike to Machu Picchu, but that didn't happen. The trail permits were all taken by the time we tried to book. So, we took the train. I had a friend that hiked it say, "We got to the top. We were all hot and sweaty. We hadn't showered in 3 days, and all the Japanese tourists got off the bus looking clean and fresh!" Yep, that's me! I'm kind of glad in a way! We got to spend more time actually at Machu Picchu! We took several hikes up and around Machu Picchu, including the Inka Bridge, Sun gate, Huaynu Picchu, and another one that doesn't have a name. At least not that I'm aware of. That one is less traveled. You have to use a rope to pull yourself up some of the steep rocks. It is all pretty amazing.

The Inca were amazing! All development during their civilization is so precise! They didn't use mortar, because they didn't have to. Their buildings fit together like legos. And, they have withstood the test of time. They have even withstood earthquakes. That's amazing! It makes you wonder what happened in the years since. That the technologies they used were somehow lost! The purpose of Machu Picchu is unknown. It was not inhabited for very long, and seems to have been abandoned while still under construction. Why? That's the question. And the mystery.

They valley below Machu Picchu is known as The Sacred Valley. And, it is sacred. There is a special spirit there! Despite the chill (and it was cold...no indoor heat) I would go back! Save me a place on their side of Heaven!