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Morning shot in the Cloud Forest and a look at the work that the Inkas completed between 1425 and 1515.

Powerful photo images tell the amazing story of the lost city of Machu Picchu and the amazing reign of the Incas in Peru from 1425 to 1550.

The remains of the city of Machu Picchu in the Andes Mountains of Peru draw more visitors every year. As a communicator used to capturing the essence of a story, I have to say this one exceeded expectations, despite a lot of reading and discussion before the trip. I hope these photos will increase your appreciation of this amazing must see site.

Favorite shot of Machu Picchu in the afternoon sun. Quality of stone work improves as you move up the terraces from worker houses to houses (nobility) stayed in to religious sites.

Boyd and Loma in the afternoon sun overlooking Machu Picchu.

Tuk Tuks in Juliaca  – A critical piece of the effort to bring Peru to the modern transportation era.

Boyd at 14,200 feet with Andes in the background and beautiful Peruvian handwork in the foreground.

Ollantaytambo Inka Fortresses in the Sacred Valle — At right, granaries where harvest was stored. Center, large stone carving of angry figure meant to scare away enemies. R: Left, empty tombs remain after gold and other jewelry taken from buried mummies by the invading Spanish.

After a quiet sunny afternoon, the early morning crowd of hikers the next day completing their hike of the Inka trail, filled Machu Picchu.