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POSTSCRIPT

     This was a fantastic trip.  We thoroughly enjoyed our time in Lima and Cusco before our actual hike of the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. 

     The sea level capitol city of Lima has over eight million people with numerous sights to see.  We enjoyed all the museums, government buildings, and the historic town square area.  The San Francisco Convent with its catacombs was a real treat.  We never expected to see extensive ruins in downtown Lima within walking distance of our hotel as we did with the Huaca Pucllana ruins.  

     The mountainous city of Cusco at 11,152' relies heavily on tourism.  The gardens, flowers, and town squares in both cities were immaculately maintained.  Vendors were everywhere selling goods and Peruvian mementoes.  The Sacsayhuaman ruins and Qorikancha, the Sun Temple of the Incas, were impressive.  The people were friendly and the weather was great for our entire trip.

     The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu was the highlight of our trip.  Our guides were very knowledgeable about Peruvian and Inca history as well as the plants and flowers on the trail.  Having porters to carry most of your gear and cooks to prepare meals was especially nice.  Temperatures were cool at night but very pleasant during the day.  The Inca ruins along the trail were amazing, especially when you consider they were all built around the 1450-1550 time frame.  Their ability to quarry heavy stones, transport them long distances in mountainous terrain, cut them to fit so precisely, and lift them into place is an engineering marvel.  Their construction of the terraces and the large retaining walls in such steep terrain was one of the things that impressed me the most.  And of course, nothing can surpass the grandeur and beauty of Machu Picchu.  It was a huge complex with numerous large buildings, most with running water and sewage disposal systems.  Stunning buildings within were the High Group, the Temple of the Sun, the Royal Tomb, the Sacred Plaza, and the Temple of the Three Windows.  The climb to the top of Wayna Picchu was difficult but exhilarating.  How the Incas were able to get materials to its top and construct the buildings there is a real mystery.  The Incas' architectural and engineering abilities from a time period five hundred years ago were truly incredible.

     If you take this trip, you will not be disappointed. 

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