Machu Picchu!  Considered a masterpiece of architecture and engineering, On July 7, 2007 Machu Picchu was declared one of the new seven wonders of the modern world in Lisbon, Portugal, which had the participation of one hundred million voters around the world.  Long on my bucket list, we met our guide, Jose Luis at 5:30 AM for the 30-minute bus ride, which was an adventure unto itself traversing a narrow, stone and dirt road carved out of the mountain with sharp switchbacks and no guardrails.  In July of 2017, due to the massive popularity of the site, new rules were implemented.  Entrance into the site is limited to 2,500 per day, split into two separate entrance times so tickets must be purchased in advance and you can only enter with an approved guide.

Me at the top

Some of the other rules… As set out in Article 19 of the Ministerial Resolution, here are the general visitor rules for Machu Picchu (I have only included the important ones):

• 19.1. Any type of bag/rucksack measuring more than 40 x 35 x 20 cm (15.7 x 13.7 x 7.9”) is not permitted and must be placed in storage (near the entrance).
• 19.2. It is prohibited to enter with food and drink.
• 19.4. It is prohibited to enter with alcoholic beverages.
• 19.5. It is prohibited to enter with umbrellas or sun shades (hats and ponchos / rain coats are permitted).
• 19.6. It is prohibited to enter with photographic tripods or any type of camera stand/support. This is only permitted with pre-authorization and the appropriate permit.
• 19.9. It is prohibited to enter with any musical instruments, including megaphones and speakers.
• 19.11. It is prohibited to enter with shoes with high-heels, or hard soles. Only soft soles are permitted (like those found in training shoes or walking shoes/boots).
• 19.12. It is prohibited to enter with children’s strollers / prams. Only strap on baby/child carriers are permitted.
• 19.17. It is prohibited to climb or lean on walls or any part of the citadel.
• 19.18. It is prohibited to touch, move or remove any lithic items / structures.
• 19.22. It is prohibited to enter with walking sticks with a metal or hard point. Only elderly people and physically-handicapped people are permitted to enter with a walking stick, when it has a rubber tip.
• 19.25. It is prohibited to get naked, dress up, lie down, run and jump.
• 19.26. It is prohibited to make loud noises, applaud, shout, whistle and sing. The tranquility and character of Machu Picchu must be maintained at all times.
• 19.27. It is prohibited to smoke or use an electronic cigarette.
• 19.32. It is prohibited to feed the resident or wild animals.
• 19.33. It is prohibited to paraglide, fly any type of drone or small aircraft.

Look at Rule 19.25!  Makes you wonder what people are thinking sometimes.

Anyway, three different circuits are outlined and must be followed.  Our guide led us through Circuit 1, the classic route, the most challenging from a physical perspective as it takes in both the upper sector of the citadel before heading in a large loop to the lower sector.  It takes approximately 2-1/2 hours to complete.  There are additional trails up the Huayna Picchu Mountain (behind Machu Picchu) one can trek but we did not.

I cannot emphasize enough the awe I felt.  The citadel itself is thought to have been built starting in 1450.  Just imagine the primitive instruments, the architectural knowledge, the Incas used to build this massive structure that has lasted thus far over 550 years.  Almost more astonishing is the way they built “windows” to predict the seasons or the carved rock outcropping, in the foreground of the photograph below, which echoes the shape of the mountains beyond, directing the viewer’s vision out into the landscape while simultaneously bringing the power of a distant peak into the site at Machu Picchu, Peru.

Some other views: