October 25th, 2005 -Explore Machu Picchu, Return to Cusco by Train and Bus
We have an early wake up call of 4:45 this morning and then enjoy some breakfast for $7.00 Soles ($2.50 CDN) in the lobby of the hotel. We have to check out of our rooms and put any belongings in storage that we will not be taking with us up to the site. After breakfast were on our way to the bus station to catch another coach up the long windy road to Machu Picchu. We arrive at the entrance gates before 7:00 a.m.
Today we will walk through the site with a guide that explains everything quite well. This morning the clouds are right within the temple area and you really get the feeling of the altitude as we walk through the clouds.
Machu Picchu
It truly feels like you’re in the clouds because we are!
Machu Picchu
Early morning walk around the site. Some of the walls resembles Saqsaywaman, a site we visited a few days ago.
Machu Picchu
Early morning views of the site. The bottom half looks original and the top half looks restored recently.
Machu Picchu
Early morning views of the site.
Machu Picchu
Early morning views of the site.
Machu Picchu
Early morning views of the site.
Machu Picchu
I never spent too much time sitting down today. The hike we undertake later on today takes me to my limit of physical fitness.
Machu Picchu
Early morning views of the site.
Machu Picchu
Early morning views of the site.
Machu Picchu
Early morning views of the site.
Machu Picchu
Early morning views of the site.
Machu Picchu
Early morning views of the site.
Machu Picchu
Early morning views of the site.
Machu Picchu
Early morning views – The holes in this structure shows the builders knowledge of astronomy as they line up with the solstices and equinoxes.
Machu Picchu
It turned out perfect through the morning as the clouds slowly cleared and the sun was shining upon the temples once again. It was a great experience and once again all the pictures in the world can’t capture the feeling of being here.
Machu Picchu – Hiking around and up the mountain.
The tour guide (Gwen) and I take the long hike to the back side of the mountain that goes down and then back up to the very top using a different trail.
Machu Picchu – Hiking around and up the mountain.
These caves are situated on the back side of the mountain and below Machu Picchu.
Machu Picchu – Hiking around and up the mountain.
It was a good but easy hike up to this point.
Machu Picchu – Hiking around and up the mountain.
Our tour guide for the trip (Gwen).
Machu Picchu – Hiking around and up the mountain.
We are getting ready to take the steep climb up the other trail.
Machu Picchu – Hiking around and up the mountain.
The trail we take is made to come down the mountain and back up the trail that we just came from, so our climb was tougher than we had imagined. As we met some people coming down they couldn’t help but wonder why we were going the direction that we were going. Some of the trail turned out very difficult as it was hard to get some good footing but in the end we made it to the top. I found the hardest spots to be where foot holds were carved in the mountain side with only a rope to hang on to as you make your way to a safer spot. If you let go of the rope it was a shear drop for more than a 200 feet. Not much chance for survival if your grip happens to let go.
Machu Picchu from the top of the mountain
Once to the top we were treated to a wonderful view on a beautiful day. There is not much room near the peak and it was fairly crowded with a camera crew from National Geographic taking in the view.
Machu Picchu from the top
It was yet another unbelievable feeling to be up here looking down up this magnificent site.
Machu Picchu from the top
Tour guide Gwen - Our descent down had to be done quickly as we needed to meet the others at a certain time and it wouldn't be good for the tour leader to be late. As we neared the bottom of the trail I found my foot work was a little off, we were now hiking for 3 hours at a very hard pace. It was right about then when I really wished I was in better shape! We made it back to the busing area with a little time to spare but make it back to our hotel okay.
Machu Picchu – Group photo
We decided on a group picture which turned out to be an adventure in itself. Everyone one had a camera so we had someone take 20 pictures. With all the cameras laying beside him it caused a lot of attention from all the other tourists. We had more than a few laughs from all the people walking by.
Machu Picchu – Group photo with names.
Once back at the hotel, we only have our day packs and with no clean clothing. I decide to buy a shirt so I could live with myself and I wouldn’t offending anyone sitting with me on the way back to Cusco. I haven’t perspired this much for a very long time. We have a short time for a few refreshments at the Tree House before going to the train station.
On our way down to the train station, one of our members loses his train tickets but miraculously they were found be one of the locals. We are not sure if it was just luck that they came and found him or if they were taken from him and then returned for a reward. It gave us a feeling of uncertainty and a little more caution for the rest of trip. Our train leaves at 4:00 pm and we head our way back up to Cusco. This time we will not be going all the way back by train but instead using a bus for the last half. Our tour leader assures us that we will save two hours going this way and who are we to argue.
We are back in Cusco by 7:30 and will be staying in the same hotel for the next few nights. After a quick shower some of us meet in the lobby for dinner. We pick a good restaurant where we were once again entertained by some local singers and dancers. This time it was more of a show and some of us had the opportunity to have a dance with some of the performers. Back to the hotel by 10:30 and I had no problem falling asleep after the long walk earlier today.