back to chapter selection page
The Amazing New Adventures of Larry and Mark - Peru, Land of the Incas
Chapter 27
Layout of Machu Picchu
The city of Machu Picchu is surrounded by the terraces which supplied
its people with food. Some of them look ok to walk on without breaking
a sweat. Others look absolutely terrifying, and you have to wonder how
they built them, and how many people were lost over the edge while farming.
Guardhouse or Caretaker's Hut at top right is one of the few
buildings which has been restored with a thatched roof.
This is roughly the same area shown in one of Hiram Bingham's
first 1911 photographs.
Roof inside one of the re-thatched buildings. Form follows function.
Looks like it could be a modern barn, except it is a grass thatch, held
in place with rope (Inca tied with animal skin strips.)
Looking down in another direction, towards Aguas Calientes and Urubamba River.
Above the terraces is part of the quarry area which supplied some of the building stone.
More terraces below the urban (living) area.
I took this photo from the moving train going to Aguas Calientes. The shadows on
the walls are stones set into the walls to permit ascending from one row to the next.
Here, Helen Blazis is trying her luck at some "stairs" at Machu Picchu.
The backside of Machu Picchu, showing some of the more dramatic steep
terraces. See arrow. How did they ever build on a sheer cliff?
Watch your step!
Grass control courtesy of natural lawn mowers.
More Soon!
Next: Water at Machu Picchu
Larry Reich
You may reach me with comments:
Laurence Reich
back to chapter selection page