Let me say this: No matter how many photographs you have seen, stories you have heard, or travel guides you have read, nothing can prepare you for actually being in Machu Picchu. It is simply one of the most amazing places on our planet. No doubt.
With a little extra effort I was able to find some wonderful areas of Machu Picchu that are not seen quite as much. I found areas where I was completely on my own with the ruins. Keep in mind the main areas of the mountain tend to be quite crowded as you can see from these pictures.