The clouds threatened rain all afternoon, but we were lucky and had open, rain-free views all afternoon. Machu Picchu is located in the rain forest, and January is part of the rainy season.

The rock quarry for Machu Picchu is located within the ruins. This large stone represents one archaeologist's belief of how the stones may have been split. The stone is NOT an original artifact. The modern anthropologist showed how wooden stakes may have been driven into the stone, then when they were wet, they would have expanded and split the stone. This is an ancient Eqyptian technique and it is not known whether the same technique could have been used by the Incas.

The Intiwatana Pyramid.

A view of the residential living areas.

A rare small red orchid grows within the ruins.