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Published: August 25th 2006
The main reason I decided to come to Peru was because I was desperate to see Machu Picchu (really, my guess is Machu Picchu is the main reason for most travelers’ visit to Peru). Anyway, after patiently waiting in Cusco for a few days, we finally made our way up to Aguas Calientes (the town that is 8 km from Machu Picchu) on Tuesday to get ready for our big trip to the lost city on Wednesday morning.
We all decided to get up bright and early to catch the sunrise, as we heard that the view promised some postcard worthy photos. Well, at 5 a.m., I woke up and heard a sound that almost brought me to tears….the sound of a torrential downpour. I was gutted. All I really wanted to see on this trip was Machu Picchu, and the rain obviously meant lack of visibility in the mountains due to the rain, fog, and cloud cover. I was so destroyed that I said screw it to the early morning and went back to bed for an hour, hoping the rain would let up and the clouds would clear.
Luckily, when I made my way up the mountain
at 7:30, the rain had let up a bit and there was hope that the fog/clouds would disappear…or that’s what our tour guide kept saying. I said to myself, “This is where the Arabs add “Inshallah”!” Not being able to see anything but the stones 5 feet in front of us really diminished that take your breath away feeling that I imagined I would have when I saw Machu Picchu.
After walking around and learning all about Machu Picchu (I’ll spare you the details because 1) I don’t want to be quoted on any of my recollection of the tour due to my inability to remember little details and 2) I think most of you are more interested in the photos anyway), we had some free time and, luckily, the clouds let up enough for some pretty good shots. Oh, I will say one thing about the tour: man, do the Peruvians hate the American guy who discovered Machu Picchu in 1911. I guess there’s a huge dispute right now between the two governments over the 5000 architects found on site (as they’re presently showcased at Yale University). I remember that much—yay! I just don’t understand why I wasn’t
a history major 😉
As you will also notice in the photos, I came across some very cute llamas, who were more than willing to pose for me. I’ve only included a few of the shots, but if you’re interested in seeing the 100 or so shots I took of the llamas, I’ll send you a CD 😉
Although I didn’t get that “take your breath away” feeling when I first saw Machu Picchu, it did come later in the day when the clouds gave way for the well preserved Incan village and lush jungle mountain backdrop. The photos really don’t do it justice, but I’m sure it will give you a taste.
Next stop tomorrow: The Amazon Jungle!
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Russell
non-member comment
I'm glad the clouds parted for you if only for a while.