Machu Picchu

The classic view of Machu Picchu, taken by Heather Bell, who was in just the right spot when the clouds parted

Listed as one of the top ten wonders of the modern world, Machu Picchu attracts thousand of visitors each day to its misty perch high above the valley floor.

  Its location was a secret to all but a few local farmers until discovered in 1911 by Hiram Bingham on a quest for another lost Incan city.

 Since the Inca had no written language, we can only guess why they built a town that could support 750 people, with terraced fields, temples, store rooms and homes for both upper and lower classes at the top of a steep mountain.

 Whatever the reason, its mysteries and spectacular location continue to draw visitors from around the world, including me and my travel companions: Peter Jaspers-Fayer of Guelph, Ralph White of New York, and my daughter Heather Bell of Toronto. It was a memorable moment we won't soon forget!