Machu Picchu 2012 (Julie)

It is best to view Rainer's gallery of Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley of the Inca first to read a description of the amazing area and then look at these pictures.

Machu Picchu Edit
The gentleman with the colorful Peruvian chullo worked at an alpaca and llama farm. His job was to hand the alfalfa to the visitors to feed the animals. He also had the [not-so-nice] job of cleaning up AFTER the animals enjoyed their treats!
Cusco Peru Machu Picchu
Not sure how this guy could see to eat...
Cusco Peru Machu Picchu
One of the darling youngsters at the farm.
Cusco Peru Machu Picchu
This women gladly showed us how they colored the yarn for their weaving.
Cusco Peru Machu Picchu
An example of one of the beautiful woven pieces we saw.
Cusco Peru Machu Picchu
Trying to capture the elusive hummingbird was an on-going challenge on this trip. This picture and the next one were taken at the lovely Sol y Luna resort where we stayed in Urubamba.
Hummingbird Machu Picchu
Feeding on flower nectar.
Hummingbird Machu Picchu
In the beautiful gardens at Sol y Luna.
Machu Picchu
We were fortunate to see a wonderful weaving demonstration by a special group of women who live in a community high in the mountains and are known for their weaving skills. After showing us how they spin the wool to make it into yarn they showed us some of the beautiful pieces they made -- and of course they brought all of their wares to sell.
Machu Picchu
After the weaving demonstration we had an interesting lunch with typical Peruvian dishes. We then watched a Paso horse demonstration followed by some dancers.
Machu Picchu
Before our trip later in the week to Machu Picchu, we spent time at the smaller ruins at Ollantaytambo, a city from the 1500s.
Machu Picchu
Another view of the ruins at Ollantaytambo.
Machu Picchu
These mototaxis were everywhere in the towns we visited. They are like a motorcycle trike with the driver in the front and room for two passengers sitting comfortably in the back, but we often saw more crowded in.
Machu Picchu
Father and son in Urubamba.
Machu Picchu
We spent a couple of hours walking around the lower part of Machu Picchu and then in the afternoon we climbed up higher -- to the guard house. We returned early the next morning to take pictures from the guard house so we could capture the good morning light.
Machu Picchu
Another attempt at capturing a hummingbird -- this one in the gardens of the Sanctuary Lodge at Machu Picchu -- the only hotel located right outside the ruins. All other visitors stayed in a town 30 minutes down the mountain.
Hummingbird Machu Picchu
One of the crafts vendors outside an historical site near Cusco.
Machu Picchu
One of the youngsters greeting visitors at a stop we made traveling back to Cusco from Machu Picchu.
Machu Picchu
A young girl outside the Cusco marketplace.
Machu Picchu
We took a walk through the Cusco Marketplace...you could buy just about anything in the way of food, household items, and who knows what else.
Machu Picchu
A slow day at the market for this older lady.
Machu Picchu

Martens Photo Gallery

Machu Picchu 2012 (Julie)