The Whole Picture: Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu, Urubamba Valley, Peru
Machu Picchu, from the Quechua meaning ‘Old Mountain’, is a pre-Columbian Inca site located 2,430 metres above sea level. Back in April of this year, at least one half of the intrepid Two Go Round-The-World duo was able to enjoy a small group tour of Peru (sorry Kathryn!). Offered by Gap Adventures, this 10-day tour is dubbed a ‘Taste of Peru’ and encompasses Lima, the Amazon and the Andes. Check out some images from both the Amazon and Cuzco.
It is situated above the Urubamba Valley in Peru, which is 80 km northwest of Cuzco and through which the Urubamba River flows. Often referred to as “The Lost City of the Incas”, it is perhaps the most familiar icon of the Inca World. Although known locally, it was unknown to the outside world before being brought to international attention in 1911 by the American historian Hiram Bingham. Since then, Machu Picchu has become an important tourist attraction and, since it was not found and plundered by the Spanish after they conquered the Incas, it is important as a cultural site.
Inspired by publications like Life Magazine, National Geographic and online experiences like Boston.com’s photo blog, images marked as ‘The Whole Picture’ are intended to highlight high-quality, amazing imagery. Kathryn and Daniel will post ‘The Whole Picture‘ irregulary. Like all of our photos, it is an original photo not otherwise on the site—it might be fresh from our camera, a new scan of some old film, a product of our fooling around with Photoshop, or a file from the archive that we haven’t posted yet.
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Category: Dan's Blog, Photos
About the Author (Author Profile)
For nearly ten years now, Daniel of Two Go Round-The-World has explored how travel captures our imagination and engages our deepest emotions. One half of the duo that maintains the widely read Two Go Round-The-World blog, Daniel treats his subjects not only as works of art but also as symbols of the cultural and political forces that inspire them. His latest book, The Physics of Flocking, gathers his favourite writing featured over the past two years on Two Go Round-The-World in columns like 'Looking Back' and 'The Whole Picture'—along with new reflections.Subscribe
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Beautiful. I unfortunately lost the majority of my Machu Picchu/Inca Trail photos when I was robbed on the bus from Cuzco to Puno. I was devastated.
Oh—that’s terrible to hear. The experience is the most important part—and despite the fact that Machu Picchu is well travelled and firmly on the tourist trail, it was one of the most amazing places I had ever visited!
Wow. Just…wow. That is a gorgeous photo!
breathtaking.
Wow! This is one of the most beautiful photo of Machu Picchu,i have seen, lovely!