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Waynapicchu — on the way down Link to Machu Picchu Index

Henry took some more shots of scenery on his way back to the main Machu Picchu complex with Hernán. Plus they visited a couple of interesting archeological sites—the so-called Temple of the Moon and the "Gran Caverna," or "large cave." The sites are on the north side of the mountain and weren't discovered until the 1930's. Their nomenclature is somewhat confusing, since archeologists have no idea if lunar worship practices occurred at the Temple (however, it is definitely a temple of some sort) and Henry thinks the "large cave" is actually smaller than the one at the Temple.

But what he remembers most clearly about the return trip is that the trail to the sites was very steep (our guide book mentions an average 48% slope!) and the sites are about 1300 feet lower than the summit of Waynapicchu, which puts them considerably below the elevation of the gate to the trail. And this means the last part of a strenuous hike is uphill!

But not to get ahead of ourselves, here are some shots of the hikers and the scenery, still near the top.

Hernan on the trail View along the trail Henry on the trail

And here is Henry, still feeling chipper:

Henry on the trail

The Temple of the Moon was the first of the sites they saw, and here are two views of its impressive stonework, a great example of the Inka policy of working with the stone as they found it:

Temple of the Moon Temple of the Moon

Here is a shot of the interior, and one looking out...

Interior of cave Looking out of the Temple

Henry believes this picture of the altar-like stone was taken in the "Gran Caverna," and here is a view from the front of this structure.

Altar in cave View from front of Gran caverna

And here are three more views of this impressive structure:

Gran caverna Gran caverna Gran caverna

Here is the sign with the "Gran Caverna's" vitals. Notice the 400 meter difference between its elevation and that of the peak of Waynapicchu.

Gran caverna sign

An assortment of views of the trail ...

Hernan on the trail View from the trail
Overhang on the trail View of the trail

And more of those marvelous Inka stairs, that I imagine were starting to get a bit tiresome!

Stairs on the trail View of the trail

But here on the left is Machu Picchu, getting closer, and the thatch-roofed hut (in the foreground) that marks the end of the trail. Where wife and sister-in-law are waiting with more food! And on the right, a look back up at the structures near the peak.

Machu Picchu Peak of Waynapicchu

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All photos, unless otherwise credited, are © by Henry J. Amen III. Please do not use without permission.