Day 7 - part 3 - Machu Picchu

Hiram Bingham with the help of locals uncovered MP in the early 1900’s. With the help of National Geographic, they took years to uncover. MP is a 15th century citadel believed to have been built as an estate for Inca emperor, Pachachuti. It was inhabited by 500 royal families (or people). The Temple of 3 Windows represent 3 parts of the world: underground, heaven, and present time (i.e., past, present, future). They also represent the rise of the sun, very important to Incas. The Temple of the Sun is the round structure seen in my pictures. The Inti Watana stone (seen in my pictures) is believed to have been designed as an astronomical clock or calendar. It’s 4 corners point directly N – S – E – W. It points directly at the sun during the winter solstice. The Incas were very much oriented towards the heavens and the stars.
Pictures: 1 MP-our group and the inside of a home
2-3 MP (Temple of the Sun)
4 MP- Inti Watana stone - phone placed to show accurate directions
5-6 MP - why so high? To be close to heavensRead more