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Published: June 27th 2015
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After many years of dreaming of visiting Machu Picchu we are almost there!
However we took the easy option of getting there on the train from Cusco rather than the 4 day hike up the Inca trail.
The journey here up to Aguas Caliente was amazing. As the train chugged slowly through the valley following the Urubamba river, vast mountains towered above us. The river rushed along tumbling over the rocky bed at great speed.
Almost four hours later we arrived in Aguas Caliente, the little town that is the gateway to Machu Picchu. We have two nights here so our plan is to set off early tomorrow to see the sunrise and then explore the site itself.
We spent this afternoon exploring the area, shopping in the craft market and visiting a butterfly farm.
The town is surrounded by steep mountains towering up to the sky with wisps of white clouds gently caressing the tops, if this is a taste of what's to come tomorrow we are in for a real treat. Can't wait!
Thursday June 25th
Finally! After years of dreaming and weeks of planning and preparation the day has arrived. Machu Picchu here
we come!
We boarded the bus at 5.30am for the half hour ride up to the entrance, a road made up of numerous switchbacks to get up the incredibly steep hill
First place to visit was at the Guardhouse where we waited for the sun to rise above the peak of the mountain. As it appeared the peak of Huayna Picchu, that overlooks Machu Picchu, was the first place to be lit up and gradually the brightness crept down the mountain side until the whole site was bathed in sunshine. A magical sight!
By 7.30am we were setting off up the steep climb to the summit of Machu Picchu Mountain 3,061 metres a.s.l. The climb was very steep, mostly narrow steps but every now and then we stopped to take in the view, the higher we got the better the view of the site.
On the top we took in the 360 degree breathtaking views of the surrounding snowy mountains glistening in the sunshine and chatting to others who made the climb.
Once down from there, three hours later, we hiked to Intipunku, gate of the sun. This site gave equally breathtaking views but from a different
angle.
Before visiting the site of Machu Picchu itself we went to the Inca drawbridge, the path was narrow with steep drops to one side, the bridge was just planks of wood laid across the stone structure built on the side of the steep mountainside. Apparently the Inca's removed the planks to prevent intruders gaining access.
Our last stop was the site itself, it covered a huge area and took a lot more exploring than we'd expecting but was fascinating and well worth the effort.
We visited , amongst many other places, the house of the Inca King and the temple of the sun.
The last task of the day was to walk back down to Aguas Calientes, a steep stepped path that twisted and turned crossing the road several times. I think this was the final straw for our tired aching legs but not ones to give up we made it back to town under our own steam.
Although we didn't actually do the Inca trail I think we made up for we must have walked miles on the trails
After a hot shower and chicken and chips in a local bar it was early to bed
- maybe to dream about Inca's!
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Wendy
non-member comment
Wow, it's looks amazing, well worth the headaches planning the trip!!