The Incas: Machu Picchu, Cuzco, Inca Trail

 

Machu Picchu Terraces and Golden Rectangles

Successive Golden Rectangles dividing a Golden Rectangle into squares (Machu Picchu Terraces)

Machu Picchu Terraces

Machu Picchu Terraces

The Lost City of Incas, Machu Picchu is without doubt the most recognizable symbol of Inca Civilization. "The Inca Trail", as it is known now, was the Royal Highway that led pilgrims and officials of the Empire to the Sacred City of the Incas.

What makes the Inca Trail so special is the stunning combination of Inca ruins, incredible views, the Andes scenery, exotic vegetation and extraordinary ecological variety. Over 250 species of orchid have been counted in the Machu Picchu Historic Sanctuary, as well as numerous birds such as hummingbirds, waterfowl and the majestic Andean Condor.

Terraces. Parts of Machu Picchu are covered agricultural terraces. Incan farmers used every bit of available soil for crops. Their use of terraces built on steep slopes is still in use today by their descendents. The terraces, built of stone walls holding back layers of rock, sand and finally fertile soil from the river banks below, were not only agricultural but structural.
 

Machu Picchu Terraces