The elevation in Cusco is 11,023 feet above sea level. The drive to Machu Picchu actually drops in elevation to 7900 feet above sea level. To compare with home, Provo is at 4512 Feest above sea level. People usually suffer altitude sickness. I only had a minor head ache on Sunday evening. But at no other time did I feel sick, but I did take it easy while in Cusco.
Machu Picchu was brought to the world's attention in 1911 by American Hiram Bingham. They are celebrating the 100th anniversary this year. Check out the Wikipedia entry at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Machu_Picchu for more information about this amazing place.
Enjoy the photos, although being there can't compare with the picures!
This is "classic" Machu Picchu.
Huaynapicchu in the background. I climbed to the top. Check out the Wikipedia entry at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Huayna_Picchu. At the gate, the sign said it would take an hour to get to the top. It took me 35 minutes. I passed 14 people and no one passed me!
The view from he top was well worth the climb up!
There are a lot of stairs to climb at Machu Picchu. I got a good workout today!
Llamas roam wide at Machu Picchu.
An Inkan archway view of Huaynapicchu.
those are some amazing pictures! yet another place tyler and i need to visit at some point. my legs hurt just looking at the pictures (oh wait...they hurt cuz i've been pushing the girls on their bikes trying to teach them to ride without training wheels! what a squat workout! ouch)
ReplyDeleteNeil and Kathy:
ReplyDeleteGreat pix and post! I'm coming with 7 people ranging in age from 48 to 83 in Sept. How far is the hike up and how long did it take? (Our oldest members would not be attempting it, but the balance should be able to, especially with time to prepare.)
And by the way - I'm a Toastmaster from OH and found your blog via a search for TM meetings in Peru.
Thanks for sharing!
Wendy
Oh I see the answers were already in your post - thanks! I hope to catch more of your entries.
ReplyDelete