Peru – Ollantaytambo Fortress Ruins
The valleys along Ollantaytambo are covered by an extensive set of agricultural terraces that permitted farming on otherwise unusable terrain; they also allowed the Incas to take advantage of the different ecological zones created by variations in altitude. Terraces at Ollantaytambo were built to a higher standard than common Inca agricultural terraces, for instance, they have higher walls made of cut stones instead of rough field stones.
Peru – Ollantaytambo
Ollantaytambo is a town and an Inca archaeological site in southern Peru some 60 kilometers northwest of the city of Cusco. During the Inca Empire, Ollantaytambo was the royal estate of Emperor Pachacuti who conquered the region, built the town and a ceremonial center.
Peru – Ollantaytambo Closeup
A close up of the mountains reveals a face resemblance and two protected storage chambers for grain and supplies
Peru – A Bend in the Road to Ollantaytambo
A view of the high mountains in Peru near Cusco. The high winds cause the tree to bend right.
Peru – Sacred Valley Vista
The Sacred Valley of the Incas or the Urubamba Valley is a valley in the Andes of Peru, close to the Inca capital of Cusco and the ancient city of Machu Picchu.
Peru – Cusco at Night
Night scene of Cusco with the lighted Cross and Statue of Jesus up on the hills
Inca Version of Milky Way Constellations, Qorikancha
The stars in the sky were very important to the religion of the Inca. Like many other cultures, the Inca grouped the stars into constellations. They saw many animals and other things from their daily lives when they looked to the stars. Qorikancha has this large mural that depicted the various constellations as the Incans saw and named them.
Qorikancha – The center of the Ceque System of the Incas
One interesting aspect of the Inca civilization is the Ceque System, a series of lines connecting shrines in a distinct physical pattern around the principal cities of the Inca world – here Qorikancha is at the center. The ceque system broke Cusco into four sections, corresponding to the four royal roads (and four political divisions) of the Inca. Shrines were connected by the ceques, so that as you journeyed along the line, you would visit the shrines in order.
Cusco Qorikancha
Qorikancha was the most important temple in the Inca Empire, dedicated primarily to Inti, the Sun God. It was one of the most revered temples of the capital city of Cusco. The Spanish colonists built the Church of Santo Domingo on the site, demolishing the temple and using its foundations for the cathedral.
Cusco Church Door
An impressive door to a Cusco church reminds one of the grand palace doors in India.
Churches of Cusco
Walking the streets of Cuzco, Peru one is reminded of the dominance of the Spaniards over the Incas in the early 1500’s. Being the capital of the Inca Empire, conquest of Cusco was the triumph of the Spanish. In celebration of their success, and to convert Incas to Catholicism, a number of churches were built throughout Cusco.
Cusco – Plaza de Armas (Main Square)
Known as the “Square of the warrior” in the Inca era, this plaza has been the scene of several important events in the history of this city. The Spanish built stone arcades around the plaza which endure to this day. The main cathedral and the Church of La Compañía both open directly onto the plaza.
Cusco Vista
Cusco was the site of the historic capital of the Inca Empire. It is a major tourist destination and receives almost 2 million visitors a year.
Cusco, Peru
Cusco is a city in southeastern Peru at an elevation of around 11.200 feet near the Urubamba Valley of the Andes mountain range
Lima’s Spanish Architecture
Stylized windows and balconies grace historical buildings in Lima, Peru
Lima Tile Mural
A tiled mural in one of Lima’s several churches
Scenes from Lima
Lima’s architecture is characterized by a mix of styles generally influenced by the Spanish – Baroque, Neoclassicism and Colonial styles
Postcard from Lima
Lima is the capital and largest city in Peru
Flying over the Andes
View of the Andes above the clouds on the flight from Argentina to Lima, Peru
Iguazu Falls – Flow of Water
Voted as one of the 7 Natural Wonders of the World, Iguazu Falls is undoubtedly the most visited place and one of the most imposing natural attractions in Argentina, Brazil and the World.
Iguazu Falls – Mini Islands
Next to Iguazu Falls along the river and on the islands a highly specialized ecosystem full of life has evolved in response to the extreme conditions of the tumbling water and soaking humidity.