It’s a dream come true for Rohanis Shukri when she visited Machu Picchu
WHILE it is every traveller’s dream to set foot on Machu Picchu, one of the world’s most impressive ancient sites, never in my wildest dreams did I think I would one day be there on the eastern slopes of the Andes Mountains.
But there I was at 2,430m above sea level, aiming my lens at the beautiful Lost City of Incas. It was built in the 15th century but was only rediscovered in 1911 by Haiwaiian historian Hiram Bingham.
The ancient city, which archaeologists believe was built as an estate for Inca emperor Pachacuti, covers 326sq m.
It has three primary structures: The Inti Watana, the Temple of the Sun and the Room of the Three Windows, all built in classical Inca-style, with polished dry-stone walls. The city also houses a palace and more than 200 residences.
While adventurers hike to the ancient city, others can hop on one of the train services that goes from Cusco or Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, the nearest town to Machu Picchu.
Rohanis Shukir is an experienced NST photographer based in Kuala Lumpur. Her off-the-beaten-track assignments have given her the craving for all things rare and unique.
Reach her at traveltimes@nst.com.my.