Mysterious Cities of Gold
Trip Start
Jun 12, 2006
1
70
172
Trip End
Jul 01, 2007
Machu Picchu,
Peru
Friday, October 13, 2006
Machu Picchu is the nuts.
This easily is the high light of my trip so far, what a place and what a location.
After leaving Ollantaytambo at 8pm in the evening a train runs through the scared valley of the incas to Aguas Calientes. This is probably the weirdest town I have ever stayed in, it has no roads (except for the one up to Machu Picchu)and is only accessible by the train. The town is just a tourist stop, but set in a spectacular valley, surrounded by huge mountains.
The following morning the original plan was to get up for the 5.30am bus, this didnt happen and I am glad because many people couldnt get on the bus and had to wait for the next to leave at 7.30am
Agricultural Terraces 1
. So I got the bus up a long mountain road, a 20mins ride for the rip off 12 dollars. As I entered the site the ruins were clouded over with lingering mist.I decided to head straight for the Hut of the caretaker for the classic photo shots. On the way I bumped into a heard of llama munching away at the grass around the ruins, very funny animals that stare you out looking for an opportunity to spit in your face.
Onto Hut of the caretaker for the memorable shots across the ruins, what a site and as the clouds cleared I spot a condor in the distance climbing the hot air currents.
Through the site I passed amazed at how will intact the ruins are, people could still live here. The site was once home to the Inca Royalty and only rediscovered by accident 1911, the Spanish invaders never found the site and i´m not surprised due to the location.
After a couple of hours at the ruins I was ready for a hike. After signing in started the climb up Huayna Picchu the mountain behind Machu Picchu. After a grueling 1 hour walk I arrived at the top, shattered and covered in sweat. It was worth it. I felt as though I could touch the clouds and the views took my breath away.
By the time I descended I was naked and ready for my bed, even though it was only midway through the afternoon.
A memory I will certainly not forget and one of the reasons why I have decided to travel.
Comments
Naked by midday!
The Hodge
Sounds great, wish I was there to join you for a few pisco sours.
Indeed midday is very early to get naked but what the heck.