Machu Picchu

The Money Shot

The Three Windows-What a View

Just me and the lost Incas, chillin

The view when I arrived at 7am
Groups of Inca trail travelers who were just arriving from their long treks.

The jagged mountains to the left of the ruins.

View of the mountains to the right of the city.

I left the Sacred Valley tour part way through and caught the 330 train to Aguas Calientes. It is the only way to get to Machu Picchu. It is the town at the base of the Lost Inca City. I arrived just before dark and found my way to Rupa Wasi Eco Lodge, which was much more of an experience than I expected. It was like camping. I was in an aframe loft that had plastic on the windows and an open entrance. I think I kicked a Columbian girl out of her bed. I´m not sure what happened, but I think they forgot I was coming. However, I was very warm with my sweater, my sleep sack and 2 blankets on the bed. I went to bed about 9pm and they rollled in around 2 am. I had a nice cup of mate de coca. A local Peruvian tea made with coca tea leaves. It is supposed to be good for digestion....works for me. I was smart and purchased my entrance ticket and bus tickets when I arrived so I would be ready to go!

Anyway, I woke about 615 and caught the 630 bus to the Ruins, which takes about 30 minutes because of the switchback trail. It had rained all night and was still drizzling as I made my way up, but I wanted to get there before the hordes arrived via the morning train about 10am. When I arrived it was still very foggy and not much could be seen, but the aura of the site was permeating everything. I loved walking around in peace and quiet and mysterious tranquility. I can honestly say I was not dissapointed. It lived up to what I have heard about this great wonder of the world. It is awesome in the true meaning of the word. I was in awe of the towering mountains covered in lush, verdant earth. The envelop the entire area like a warm, protective hug. The river below, that actually goes to join the Amazon was visible below and actually audible from so far away. It is a powerful river that winds through the area adding to the mystique. I spent a glorious 5 hours there and saw everything at least once and someplaces twice. I loved watching the fog burn off and continuously change the scenery before me.

I left about 1230 and arrived back in town just as the skies began to let loose another flood. I entered the first restaurant I saw, because all I had all day was a breakfast bar. I had a wonderful woodfired veggie pizza and a local drink called chicha morada (I can´t éxplain it, but it´s purple). It was great and filled me right up. I was hungrier than I thought. I really didn´t feel hungry when I was climbing all over the ruins. It was invigorating more than anything. I also took about 30 minutes to just sit in the most perfect spot and soak it all in and in reality, I really did not want to leave. It is the kind of place that connects you to time and space in a concrete yet surreal way. I was transported to the site of an ancient civilization and yet I was experiencing the place as if I was the only one in the world. Surround by immense powerful mountains forged over time, making one feel insignificant and yet purposeful.

I caught the 330 train back to Cuzco and I am ready to fall fast alseep with deep appreciation for this day. I also would like to mention that I had an alpaca meat burger for dinner. It was very lean and yummy. I won´t be trying any hampsters, another peruvian specialty. You´ll have to ask someone else about that!

Above are a couple of money shots, but I have tons more. The most I have ever taken. Every twist and turn was another incredible vista. I could hardly take it all in. I will post the photo to my photobucket and I hope you can share in this beautiful place created by a unique civilization 800 years ago.