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Published: June 17th 2008
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Machu Picchu
Wayna Picchu is the peak in the background There was a bang on the door at 4am from our guide although we were already awake and eager to go. We had a quick breakfast as caffeine was required for the climb ahead. With a glow of head torches we set off on the 1.5hour steep climb to the entrance of Machu Picchu. Not even the cool 4am air kept us from drowning in sweat as we climbed solidly almost without rest. Our guides determination to push on showed his experience and timing as we arrived at the etrance steps 15 mins before opening and before the first load of buses pulled up. We were at the front but when the buses arrived the queue disappeared into the distance.
As the sun came up and the clock struck 6am we were the first group into Machu Picchu. Under the fresh cool morning air it was a magical place to wonder and our guide took us on a quick tour to the agricultural terraces where the llamas were grazing and we could look down on the deserted sacred city. Before our guide left us to explore on our own he took us to the Quarry, the Common area, various temples,
the three windows as well as many other archeological sites.
Wayna Picchu is the steep granite spire that takes a famous position in a lot of Machu Picchu photos. It is a great vantage point to view the city and as its accessed by yet another steep narrow Inca staircase, they limit the number of people allowed up here to 400 per day. So as to not miss out this was our first stop and at number 63 and 64 we easily made it. Great views at the top, then you climb through a narrow cave and instead of heading straight back down to Machu Picchu, we followed the long loop which wound down the mountain to the Gran Caverna. The ruins were more over grown and not many people venture this far so it was worth while. As we followed the path once again up hill to Machu Picchu we walked along the trail carved into the granite cliff face we had seen the day before.
With tired legs we decided we would make our last trip to the sungate which is the traditional entrance to those walking the Inca trail. But just like any city you
can get lost and winding through the Machu Picchu ruins we ended up somehow walking around the back to the Inca Bridge. This is an amzing piece of engineering with a stone bridge connecting the trail past a sheer cliff.
Once again we set off for the Inca Sungate and although this time we were on the right side of the mountain, we started to doubt our sense of direction as we met no people and the path did not seem to be in as good condition as other traditional trails. As we went up and up and up we were more determined not to turn back and looking down on the sungate in the distance we realised we definitely missed our target once more. The trail got narrower and steeper with sheer cliffs as you hug the inside of the stair case (the Incas were no hobbits as there stairs were made for tiny feet, not a category that we fit into). With wobbly legs from 2 days of hard climbing and not knowing where we were going, we sat down for a breather and decided we may return. We were already higher than the other peaks around
Machu Picchu but being close to the top we decided to push on. Just before the summit we met another couple who warned us the track did get more sketchy and to be careful and don´t look down. They also said it was well worth the climb and you would have the view to yourself. They were right and with a quick breather at the top we headed back down. With the clap of thunder in the distance we decided the Sungate was not for us and saving on a very overpriced bus back to Aguas Calientes, we left Machu Picchu by foot and descended the long climb back to Aguas Calientes for a well earned beer.
We would like to say we beat the rain but 5 minutes meant we didn´t so we were a little wet but pleased we had finished our hiking as the rain set in.
Tomorrow we head back to Cuzco by train in the morning then an overnight bus to Arequipa where the Colca Canyon awaits.
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For a bloke who can only average 10 words per minute typing speed, you seem to go ok eh??