The last destination in our trip through Peru was Machu Picchu, which is a pre-Columbian Inca site that is found above the Urubamba Valley. It was untouched by colonist to the area due to the trails being destroyed leading to the city. The way to the ancient city is by rail, which can be taken by the Inca rail, which we took.

Or the Peru Rail.

There was a nice green background, so I decided to take a quick picture of Melody while we were waiting for our train to arrive.

On the way there, we were able to see a few of the peaks around Cusco. Here is a view out of the top of the car.

We finally arrived in Machu Picchu, and this valley was massive. It was no wonder the colonist were unable to find this well preserved city.

The entrance of the city had a lot of steps which guiding us through the terraces.

This workmanship is different then the religious centers which showed nicely cut and placed stone. Instead the less important buildings were fortified through irregular rock.

A view of the terraces of Machu Picchu as well as the city center.

This nicely carved corridor was meant for religious means, as seen by the craftsmanship.

You can see the differences in quality from left to right. Just a beautiful and quality place to visit, its still puzzles me how ancient civilizations were able to accomplish such feats.

A view of the Temple of the Sun overlooking the city.

The trapezoidal doorway, which is a seen everywhere, from the stone to the windows. This is due to the strength of the design, being able to withstand various natural disasters.

The alters framed by a doorway, where many different decorations were placed.

Huayna Picchu towering over the city.

Someone at the top, freeing themselves to the abyss.

Terraces on the other side of the mountain.

The “solar clock” or Intihuatana, which was supposedly used as a lunar clock.

I forgot the name of these fuzzy tailed, evil looking mammals. I believe it was Viscotcha?

A sunset leaving Machu Picchu.

The next day marked a hiking adventure to the tallest peak in the area, Machu Picchu. Usually people climb the iconic Huayna Picchu, but we were in Machu Picchu. Here is the postcard view of the town.

And a view as we were hiking way up.

The finish line ending at the Inca Flag.

A plaque at the top of Machu Picchu.

I was also brave enough to try to get to the Sun Gate, which was the end of the famous Inca trail. Here is the view, with the bus trail seen on the bottom.

That night we were off on a nature hike, viewing the largest orchid garden in the planet. Here is a butterfly, with a non orchid.

And a tiny orchid, only seen through a magnifying glass.

Green orchids

As well as pink spotted ones.

And this beautiful blue and white orchid.

As well as the iconic types.

There was also an abundance of Hummingbird, which I wish I could capture. But there was just too fast for the light that we had.

The hummingbird-esque plant.

We were then able to rest with some tea-time.

The next morning, we woke up at the crack of dawn to venture for a bird-viewing tour. Most of these birds I do not recognize anymore, I should try to find out their names.

The Peruvian Cock-of-the-Rock

Another beautiful hummingbird.

And finally one in its natural habitat.

We mostly saw beautiful, muticolored tanagers. But saw some other interesting bird species that were either too far away or too dark to photograph. I know next time to bring a flash on my birdwatching adventures but hopefully I will have another opportunity like this.