Macchu Picchu

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We finally made it to Macchu Picchu after some really extraordinary efforts for us. Getting there was half the battle. I wanted to keep the cost low, so I opted not to take the train from Cusco to Aguas Callientes (the town you must get to in order to take a bus up to Macchu Picchu). Anyway, the tickets were going to be over $100 so I decided to opt for the backpacker special. From Cusco, take a 6 hour bus ride to Santa Maria. Then a 1 hour taxi ride to Santa Teresa. We made it that far on Saturday. On Sunday we were going to take a train from the station nearby to Aquas Callientes, however, the trains only go at 4.30 pm. Ridiculous if you ask me. It is a political thing I suppose. Our only other option was to walk beside the train tracks and Julissa from Hospedaje YK (fantastic place to stay) that we stayed at said it was a two hour walk. No problem, but it really ended up taking us 3 hours. No 12-year-old wants to walk for 3 hours. We were so sore but ready to see Macchu Picchu. We spent 3 and a half hours there and could of stayed much longer, but had to walk back before it got too dark. Did not time ourselves well because we only had an hour of light before darkness fell. It was really scary, Macayla and I tried to hurry as fast as we could and made it back in 2 and a half hours. The train back from Aquas Callientes was at 1 pm. We have been sore ever since, but well worth it.

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Photos

Macchu Picchu
Our first look!