by Brian Collins

Created on: July 15, 2008   Last Updated: January 31, 2012

Incas Cuzco and Machu Picchu
Upon arrival in Lima one can't help but notice the genuine friendliness of the Peruvian people. They really are honored that you have come to discover their country and culture. From the greeting by the customs and immigration officers to general attitudes of the population was an inspiration.

No sooner entered into the country than offered a tour package to Cuzco and Machu Picchu. These places are what most tourists would like to experience in this colorful country and are highly recommended destinations. It was only realized after some information exchange with the tour guide that Peru is a vast area of varied terrain and cultures. The arrangement for getting there was easily accomplished.

The flight to Cuzco was an hour from the city and the descent to the airport was exhilarating. It seemed that the jet could hardly have space to land. The steep approach and turbulence from the surrounding Andes mountains made it a memorable ride.

Most hotels in Cuzco are quaint for lack of a better term, but nonetheless adequate accommodation. To get to Machu Picchu was a day wait for the train and so some street cruising of the city was in order. It was evident from the onset that there is a vast history in this city. The red tile roofs are omnipresent and many of the buildings are built on much older Inca foundations which have the typical stone blocks that are set against each other in such a precision manner. There are the usual cathedrals with ornate statues covered in gold leaf. God is large here. From the size of the buildings to the detail on the facades the
importance of religion is well noted.

The area can't be experienced without a trip to Sacsahuamn. These ruins are amazing. It is a place that must be viewed up close and personally. To describe it in words does not do it justice. The enormous rocks (some 300 tons) have been carved with such precision that you could not fit a razor blade between them. There are compound curves and angles that would be more than a challenge to create even with the technology available today. The ruins are a twenty minute ride up the mountain. The altitude is 12,500 feet so be prepared for altitude sickness. Even with that hardship to endure the site is a must see.

The train to Machu Picchu can only be described as wild and wonderful. The first hour of the three and a half hour journey is a series of switch backs which climb to the plateau. Of course all the locals stand at the side of the tracks to

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