Machu Picchu in front of Huayna Picchu.

Machu Picchu, nick names “Lost City of the Inca”, is an Incan citadel high in the Andes Mountains in Peru which was built in the 15th century. It is renowned for its scale, preservation, detailed construction, astronomical alignments and panoramic views. It is thought to have been built as a “vacation” home for one of the Inca emperors of area that now includes Peru and may have been a last refuge of the Inca as they were conquered by the invading Spanish.

Huayna Picchu rises over Machu Picchu. The Incas built a trail up the side of the Huayna Picchu and built temples and terraces on its top. The peak of Huayna Picchu is 2,693 metres (8,835 ft) above sea level, or about 260 metres (850 ft) higher than Machu Picchu. The top was said to be the residence for the high priest and the local virgins.

Capture Date=5/23/2012
Folder Name=2012-05h - Peru, Machu Picchu
File Name=7d002-#6148
Exposure=1/320 sec at f/13 ISO 800
Lens=EF24-105mm f/4L IS USM at 32 mm