Llama face.

Machu Picchu almost functioned as a university where about 500 people lived. All the farming here was more experimental (they brought in soils and plants from the different areas of the Inca Kingdom). It also has astronomical temple-observatories. Not to mention it’s an engineering marvel.

After hiking the mountain there in the back we came back and did the tourist tour. #westminsterSLC

At the top of Huyana Picchu.

I feel photoshopped onto this picture, but it was pretty unreal how awesome it was.

Day four: Machu Piichu. First thing we did was hike the mountain Huayana Picchu which overlooks the ruins.

Bananagrams on the train. #westminsterSLC

With each turn the mountains just got taller and taller. It was amazing.

With each turn the mountains just got taller and taller. It was amazing.

The only way to get to get to Machu Piichu is either to hike or ride a train in. The train follows the river through the jungle and soaring mountains.

Sacred Valley. But this hardly does this view justice. It was incredible to take in.

The century tree. It only blooms once in its 100yr or so lifespan before it dies #soimtold

Moyan: These terraces are the size of a small stadium. The terraces also help aerate the soil for whatever grows there (typically potato, barley, corn, or quinoa)

These salt mine pools are filled from a salty spring from the mountain. During the dry season local farmers work a couple pools each. #experiencePeru

We began day three visiting various sites, moving towards Machu Piichu. This is Chinchera.

… And a puppy.