There are many websites that amply document the wonders of Machu Picchu, many with superb photos and videos, so there is little point in my attempting that.

I will limit my presentation to a few selected comments and photos, followed by a short photo tour of the site.

Useful links: 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Machu_Picchu

http://www.peru-machu-picchu.com/

This photo is taken from Machu Picchu, and graphically shows the dramatic setting.  

The access road can be seen at lower right, along the base of Mt. Happiness

The road leading to Machu Picchu is fairly dramatic in itself

But then the first overview of the site is  really quite impressive.

This view is from a point near the Funerary Rock Hut (see map below)

Two lovely friends, Nicole and Tasha

The Central Plaza separated the ceremonial area (on the left) from the residential/industrial area (on the right)

Looking back, then, from the Central Plaza area to the Funerary Rock Hut, which is essentially the highest point in the site

One striking feature is the meshing of cut stone with naturally-occurring stone.

This provided great stability, which was a concern in a site so precariously perched.

The elegance and precision of some of the cut stone is a much-remarked feature

But much of the stonework of Machu Picchu is of  more casual construction

Here, both precision and casual stonework

Here's Luis, cleaning some of those tens of thousands of stones

The Incas often used terracing as a major feature in their agriculture, but in Machu Picchu it contributed greatly to the stability of the site

This tour will begin at the lower left portion of this map, with the Ceremonial Baths and Temple of the Sun

and proceed clockwise

Temple of the Sun (with white tarp covering) and the ceremonial baths

Another view of theTemple of the Sun and the ceremonial baths, from below

The Sacred Plaza, which opens onto 1) the The Principal Temple (just below the stairs), 2) the Temple of the Three Windows (toward the courtyard) and 3) the House of the High Priest (more enclosed space toward the foreground)

Temple of the three windows

Behind the Sacred Plaza, stairs lead to Intihuatana...

...which is actually a sundial

and back down the other side

and at the far end, between the two huts...

...the Sacred Rock

Then working our way back on the other side of the Central Plaza

The area of the 3 Portals

The Residential and Industrial Sectors

The Prison Group

And back to the Funerary Rock Hut