Peru - Inca - Machu Picchu - Part 1

Machu Picchu is the most familiar icon of the Inca civilization that dates back in the 15th century.  Everyone has seen the most famous iconic image seen from the top looking down and across to the mountain.  But there is more.  What can I say?  I was there and marveled at the site.  Old ancient stone structures that is situated deep and high in the Peruvian mountains.  A way of life became obstructed by religious convicted, colonial imperialists.

Peru - Inca Trail - Part2

The Incas were architects, they were engineers.







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Stone fortification







Inca Terraces.





The view of Machu Picchu from the Sungate.  A rush of Adrenaline trickles down your spine at this first glimpse of the long awaited view of Machu Picchu,

Peru - Inca Trail - Part1

The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is a 4 day, 44 km (27 miles) hiking trek that reaches as high as 4,200 meters or 13,800 feet above sea level.



Along the trail, there is beautiful scenery of the mountains.  Each step of the way takes you closer to a lost city that culturally defines the people.  The Incas lived in the high altitudes mountain regions.







Getting fatigued on a strenuous hike, yet the view is breathtaking.   Each passing hour draws you closer to the end, which is a place you only dreamed of seeing.  Nothing else motivated me to finish despite getting infected with a stomach bacteria a day before the start of the trek.

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.

Peru - Cusco - Ollantaytambo - Inca - Part1

Cusco is the historical capital of Peru which was the Inca Empire capital from 13th century - 1532.  Today, Cusco is a tourist mecca where travelers from all parts of the globe come to explore the Inca world.  The disappearance of the Inca civilization was attributed by the Spanish colonization.  As you will see, Cusco has been remarkably well preserved combining the influences of both worlds.  Until you get to Ollantaytambo, you begin to sense the deep rooting of a culture and people, before it was unionized.






Layers of Inca culture has been buried by Spanish influence as you see from the above picture of a Spanish cathedral.





Cusco at night.



From Cusco to Ollantaytambo, the first major Inca ruin before the start of the Inca trail to Machu Picchu.

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.

Iguazu Falls - Part 2

This is where my South America tour started.  Iguazu Falls are water falls of the Iguazu River on the border of Argentina and Brazil.  The Brazilian side consists of just 20% while the Argentinian has 80% of the total falls.



All these photos were taken from the Argentinian side.

Standing at the observation point nearby Devil's Throat.



Nature as a source of power.



Everyone needs to see Iguazu Falls at least once in their lifetime



A steele walkway gives tourist the opportunity to get up close to the falls.  There are a multitude of viewpoints to see Iguazu and excellent coverage throughout the park.



275 total drops, 60-82 meters high.  Total width of 2.7 kilometers or 1.7 miles.



275 total drops, 60-82 meters high.  Total width of 2.7 kilometers or 1.7 miles.



It take about half a day to see the Falls.



The rising mist, lush fauna, and the falls make up this famous natural water park.



Devil's Throat is the the pivotal section of the falls in the shape of a J.



In opinion, the sound of the Falls is what resonates the most.  After you see the falls, it is the sound that sound that reminds me of its sheer force.



There really isn't a bad view of Iguazu Falls.