We arrive at Machu Picchu to beautiful weather.

This city was abandoned by the Incas in the 16th century when they learned that the Spanish had arrived. The Spanish never learned of its existence and it sat hidden until its discovery in 1911. Interesting fact: the Inca Empire did not have a written language and the name of this city is not known. Machu Picchu ("old peak") is the name of the mountain.

Once again, the terracing of the mountainside is incredible. These terraces were likely used as retaining walls and not agriculture. There are drainage systems built into each terrace to quickly drain water and avoid erosion during heavy rains.