Cusco, Peru: The Ruins at Pisac

On Friday, Sharon, Joanne, and I took the bus to Pisac, some ruins about an hour from Cusco.  Pisac, like most of the Incan ruins I have seen, features a city perched on the top of a hill, with agricultural terraces ringing the mountain below the city, as well as the surrounding hills.  We got there at about 2pm, had some lunch, then began the 5km (600m of elevation gain) hike to the top.  Here I am near the bottom...

...and here are the three of us about halfway up, where we started to see temples and houses that were once part of the city.

After a continued steep climb, we were able to see the Incas' famed trapezoidal doors, which have withstood the tests of time and thousands of earthquakes.

We also examined the aqueduct system of the city, which is still in existence and functioning today.

Finally, from the very top, we were able to look down on the biggest part of the city that is still standing from above.  The views of the surrounding area were also breathtaking, and well-worth the steep climb.  After we spent a bit of time exploring the city, it was time for the walk back, then the bus ride back to Cusco for a night on the town with all the students from my school.  Fun times!