The bus takes us up a steep, zig-zagging road through the cloud forest, and we walk up to the lost city, admiring the view that would have been enjoyed by the people who lived here 600+ years ago.


Machu Picchu -- tucked in between the mountain peaks. This sprawling city is vast -- with various levels and buildings for religious purposes, astronomical observations, living quarters, storehouses, farming terraces, and an imperial palace. All the buildings would have had roofs made of wood and thatch.


The entire mountain top has been terraced and reinforced against earthquakes. Channels collect drinking water and provide drainage and irrigation. Craftsmen probably used simple stone tools (but highly advanced skills) to create the near perfect walls and structures.


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