Peru - Cusco - Ollantaytambo - Inca - Part2

Ollantaytambo is the starting point for the 4 day 3 night hike to Machu Picchu known as the Inca Trail. Today, it is an archeological site and the first major Inca city before hikers reach Machu Picchu.  Ollantaytambo is located 2,792 meters or 9,160 feet above sea level and surrounded by mountains. The Inca's were architects by mere appearance of their stone walls for fortification, terraces for agriculture, and stone quarters for living.  Even more intriguing is the fact that like many of the other Inca sites, they built there cities in the deep mountainous regions.

Chile - San Pedro De Atacama - Landscape - Part2

Imagine being the first settlers in this world, a territory cherished for its astonishing landscape.  At around 2,000 meters  or 7,000 feet above sea level, this region is one of the driest on the planet.  The surface rock formation resembles that of the moon, and thus referred to as "Valley of the Moon".  This is San Pedro de Atacama, Chile.









These sand dunes are a popular destination for sandboarding.








Rich texture and colors makes this a photogenic landscape.



More sand dunes.



A world of wonder made rich on its own.

Chile - San Pedro De Atacama - Landscape - Part1

In Chile, steep mountain slopes and rigid land forms are plentiful.  One evening gaze into the sunset at San Pedro de Atacama, Chile is worth a 100 hundred years.  For my first visit to Chile, I was forever impressed.



View of Licancabur Volcano from Valley of the Moon.



Chile has such unique geographical topography.  It is a long and narrow coastal country on the west side of the Andes Mountains.