Patterns of Peru

We have just returned from a truly inspirational journey through the Incan heart of Peru. Andean architecture is represented here from pre-Inca ruins through the modern day, bustling and chaotic capital city of Lima district.  

Bougainvillea blanket the perimeter walls of the Larco Museo in the Pueblo Libre neighborhood of Lima.

Colonial influences are reflected throughout Lima's city center. First floor cantilevered window boxes were all the rage at the time.

Intricately detailed vaulted nave of the baroque-styled Catedral de Lima 

Typical wood door of the suburban pueblos. This construction is of local sun-dried mud brick with plaster.

Interior to Peru, along the Inca Trail you can board a train in the sacred valley (Valle Sagrado) or attempt the four day hike to the famous ruins of Machu Piccu. We took the train :-)

Passengers awaiting the train departure from Ollantaytambo Station

Trapezoidal stacked stone, a typical detail in Inka architecture, illustrates advanced mathematical skills used in building construction.

Residences in the population 10,000 pueblo of Machu Piccu. Here the rooflines reflect both the shapes of the mountains beyond and practically shed water in the rainy season.

The ruins at Moray, sitting at an elevation of 11,500 feet above sea level, utilize terracing as a massive agricultural experiment. 

Cusco was heart of the Incan Empire with the grand archeological sites to prove it. The significance of this colonial city endures as it is the cultural center of today's Andean people as well.

Overlooking present day Cusco from the ruins at Saksaywaman.

Sketch showing the diamond inlay wood flooring at Qurikancha and Convent of Santo Domingo. This convent was built atop the most important temple to the Inca Sun God.

Stones in the plaza of village Andahuaylillas. The confetti is from a wedding celebration from the night before.