Gumbo’s Pic of the Day, Sept. 19, 2013: Machu Picchu, Peru

Machu Picchu is a well known Inca ruin situated on top of a steep granite peak in the Peruvian Andes (2430 m above sea level).  Despite the altitude, its location near the equator provides a warm climate and the hills on which it rests are overgrown by lush forests.  The best preserved Inca ruin in the world, Machu Picchu is the gem of Peruvian travel and a UNESCO World Heritage site.

One of my favorite moments here was walking around Machu Picchu just after sunrise.  It was quiet with very few people around (a situation which changed quickly after the arrival of the tourist train from Cuzco).  The morning was cool, with low hanging clouds adding an enchanted, almost mystical, feel to the place.  I was still tired after completing our trek on the Inca Trail the previous day and sat down on a rock and just took it all in.  It was great!

Machu Picchu is an exceptional and unique destination, and I think should be on every traveler’s Bucket List.

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