Machu Picchu

I spent this weekend visiting Machu Picchu and it was amazing! We stayed in Cusco, which is the former ancient Incan Empire. It is also the oldest continuously inhabited city on the continent. This photo is of the central plaza, the Plaza de Armas. It was larger when the Incas controlled the city and has always been the heart of Cusco. The cathedral on the left has a painting of the Last Supper where the main course is guinea pig, a Andean specialty. And Judas has the face of Francisco Pizarro, the Spaniard who brought about the downfall of the Incan Empire.

We took a bus from Aguas Calientes up this very, very windy road to the top of a mountain and there was Machu Picchu. It sits up there in the middle of the mountains and is impossible to see until you are almost on top of it. It is no surprise that the Spanish couldn't find it when they were trying to conquer the Incas.

There are a couple of llamas that hang out up at Machu Picchu and add to the Andean ambiance. They just wander around and people chase them, trying to take pictures. This one happened to stop right in front of me and I was able to get this great shot.

I never once imagined that I would ever visit Machu Picchu. I've seen pictures and always thought that it looked amazing, but I never thought I would have the chance to go there. I'll be honest, traveling in South America was never really on my radar - I've always been much more of a Europe girl, as you all know. But I am so glad I have had the chance to see Machu Picchu. Standing on the top of that mountain, looking down on these incredible ruins was one of the most amazing experiences of my life.