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Edition 2015  -    Machu Picchu Viajes----

 



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SURROUNDINGS IN MACHUPICCHU

       

SURROUNDINGS
Machu Picchu is surrounded by some archaeological sites, where it is possible in short walkways some of the highly recommended to visit are the Intipuncu, the "Templo de la Luna" (Moon Temple) and the "Puente Levadizo" (Drawbridge)

HUAYNA PICCHU
Huayna Picchu is the pinnacle to the south of Machu Picchu, the famous archaeological site in Peru, visible in the background of the traditional postcard view of Machu Picchu. "Machu Picchu" means "Old Mountain" or "Old Peak" in the local dialect, while "Huayna Picchu" is "New" or "Young Peak".
The overnight in town allowes an early start the second morning, avoiding the hordes of tourists who invade after the late-morning arrival of the daily train from the city of Cuzco. Taking the 6:30 a.m. bus from Aguas Calientes allows starting the climb up Huayna Picchu at the 7:00 a.m.
opening of the trail. Jaime, our tour guide, played up the difficulty of the climb and encouraged extreme caution, stating that it was done purely at the individual's choosing and responsibility.
Not a technically challenging climb, by any means, but well worth the effort both for the views back to Machu Picchu and down to the Urubamba river as it makes a U-turn around the base of Huayna Picchu.

THE MOON TEMPLE
The Temple covers the entire landscape of the slopes of Huayna Picchu and consists of a set of architecturally enhanced caves, most likely used to hold mummies of important Inca ancestors and provide places for their worship. More fine stonework embellishes the walls of these caves, some of which are decorated with niches and altars carved into the native rock.

INTIPUNCU OR GATE OF THE SUN
Following the path leading to Machu Picchu to the south-east, approximately 1 ½ miles away, tourists can reach the so called Inti Punku (Sun-gate) from where we will have the most amazing picture of Machu picchu. The Inti Punku is an important archeaological site that was originally a fortress of the sacred city, reached through the still-accessible "inti ñan" or "royal path". It is interesting to note the presence of altars or resting stones, which could have had a liturgical purpose, since Bingham called the facades, which were built at intervals, "ritual stations".

THE DRAWBRIDGE
This bridge is located about 30 minutes from Machu Picchu on a narrow path through the jungle. It served as a defense on one of the few entrances to the city This singular drawbridge is part of one of the most dangerous trails in the city. The trail begins in the "Building with Ten Windows" to the south of the citadel. It is a narrow path daringly located on the flanks of a granite mountain. The 1 ½ mile pathway is abruptly interrupted after a hairpin bend, giving way to a precipice, spanned by a narrow drawbridge made of logs. Thus, the logs are easily removable in case of danger. The bridge and the path were built taking proper safety measures into account


 
 


Huayna Picchu

 


The Moon Temple

 


Intipunku

 


The DrawBridge

       
       
         
   

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