Machu Picchu

Trip Start Jun 03, 2008
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14
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Trip End Aug 11, 2008


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Flag of Peru  , Sacred Valley,
Wednesday, July 2, 2008

Finally on day four we were going to arrive at Machu Picchu. We were awoken at four am by the porters and had breakfast. We then walked the short distance in the pitch dark to the checkpoint area where we had to wait until half five to pass through. It was then an easy 45 min. walk to the "Oh my God steps" which lead to the famous SunGate. These steps are so called that thats your immediate reaction to seeing the extremely steep 50 steps. Once I struggled up these to the SunGate I got my first look at Machu Picchu.  The view was incredible and was a brilliant feeling to have finally arrived and to see the famous Inca ruins which lay undiscovered to the outside world until 1911.

We then walked a short 20 min. to the edge of the ruins to see the sun rise over Machu Picchu. It was an amazing view as the sun first hit the sun dial and then the sun temple as it illuminated the ruins. After this and a group photo we got our passports stamped and our guide Ruben gave us an excellent two and a half hour guided tour in which he explained the history of the various buildings in Machu Picchu. We then had two hours to explore by ourselves before we left the ruins and returned to Cuzco by train.

The whole Inca Trail culminating in Machu Picchu lived up to every expectation that I had. The trek was difficult only on Day 2 and even then everyone managed to struggle to the top. The sceanry was amoungst the best I have ever seen and the Inca ruins along the way highlighted the importance and brilliance of their short lived empire. Machu Picchu has to be seen to be appreciated and no photos can ever do it justice. Overall an incredible experience that everybody should try to do at least once, even if you will have a deep hatred of hills and steps for the rest of your life!!
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