This is an image of Machu Picchu the lost Incan (Quechuan) city rediscovered by the American Hiram Bingham. It has since become a focus for the world's interest in the Inca, and Quechua people. Machu Picchu is appealing and intriguing for many reasons: mystery surrounds its building and use, it is remote, it is a spectacular scenic location. I traveled to the Sanctuary or Park as it is known with my wife and friends in the spring of 2011.
Archeologists have argued why Machu Picchu was built - my favorite of the current explanations is that it was built as a summer retreat for the Inca and the Quechuan nobility.
While it remains difficult to get to, its touristic charm has opened it to the curious traveler. There is a railway to the mountain's base, where there is a thriving touristic village, Buses climb the switchback road to the sanctuary itself all day long. The sanctuary or park closes at dusk. We were fortunate enough to stay at the hotel at the top, just outside the park (the Sanctuario) so we could stay in the park until closing time.
We had climbed up to a part of the park with a viewpoint of the bounding mountains. It was late enough that many of the visitors had left to catch their buses. In fact the park wardens were urging us to leave.
I had set up my tripod and just attempted to take a picture when the shutter on my camera failed. Fortunately I had brought along a backup camera. I took three images at different exposures and later merged them into what is called a High Dynamic Range Image or HDR to capture the richness of the shadows and colors.
The taller of the two mountains seen at the edge of the city is Huayna Picchu. It is a destination for many visitors who like to climb its steep sides.
The park actually rests on a saddle between the mountain called Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu. Machu Picchu is about 1000 feet taller than Huayna Pichu and can be accessed on a long stone stairway. That hike has only recently opened, is less technically challenging and is less popular. We elected the Machu Picchu hike. From its heights the sanctuary and even Huayna Picchu appear almost toylike and delicate. It is easy to understand why the city remained unknown to the outside world for so many years.
Part of the magic of Machu Picchu is its green color. The elevation is such that it lies in a cloud forest which provides the water for the abundant plant life. We saw many colorful flowers, including the Sorpresa Orchid.
Between Machu Picchu and Cuzco lies the Valley of the Inca - a worthwhile destination in itself. The Quechua people whose leader was known as the Inca at the time of the Spanish conquest have preserved a very colorful culture, and are responsible for reintroducing the world to a wonderful food grain - Quinoa.
While this image of Machu Picchu isn't particularly unique I enjoy the picture because it reminds me of the stories surrounding its building and rediscovery. It is a reminder of an entirely different way of life.
Peter Sidell
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