Machu Picchu

Yesterday, when we awoke, mist hung low over the mountains, and it was very picturesque. Just before catching the bus to Machu Picchu it started to rain so we bought rain ponchos which we never had to use for as quickly as the rain came, it left just as quickly. 

There is a steady stream of buses going up to Machu Picchu throughout the day and although lines are long, it is a very efficient system and the wait time is almost nonexistent.  The road going up, is just that - going up, and up, a very narrow road with a lot of hairpin curves. Many areas are only wide enough for one bus and the other bus has to either back up or pull over dangerously close to the edge. The views, however, are spectacular when I was able to open my eyes and look.  I was thinking of the news report:  " Tour bus drives off road enroute  to Machu Picchu.  All passengers aboard died."

We hired a guide, Graciella, to ...well, guide us around the site.  She stopped frequently to explain the history and significance and engineering marvel of Machu Picchu, which was just what I needed to catch my breath.  If Dale had been the guide there probably would have been a lot less resting.  There are a lot of very steep stairs with rocks that have been worn smooth with all the foot traffic, making them slippery.  I must say, however, that despite the steepness and sheer height of the structures, it was lots of fun.  There were a lot of obvious seniors amongst the throngs of people, some even with canes, and some looking so exhausted I thought I was going to have to perform CPR. 

We spent four hours at the site and then climbed up to the guardhouse which gave us a good view of the entire site, showing us how far we had climbed. The tall peaked mountain in the photo is Wayna Picchu, which has a trail to the top, limited to 400 people a day, 200 at a time. I just stood at the bottom in awe at these tiny specks that were hikers.  This climb would only be for avid, seasoned hikers.  

All the grassy areas are kept neatly trimmed by llamas that live at the site. During mid morning, when we were there, we found them resting in a grassy area behind the guardhouse. We never seem to tire at looking at llamas and alpacas. 

Throughout the site there were several workers maintaining the integrity of site by cleaning the stones with a toothbrush.  This is apparently to rid the rocks of lichens that produce fungi.

This was an absolutely breathtaking experience with so many good photo opportunities. 

I thank Dale for liking me enough to share her vacation time with me.  

We left the site via bus back to Aguas Callientes, hot, sweaty, hungry, thirsty and tired. We had a few hours before the train left so we (of course) did some more walking.  I mean 4 hours climbing around Machu Picchu wasn't enough.  We sat in the plaza for a while and then went back to our hostel to pick up our bag and have some lunch. 

We caught Peru Rail to Poroy, the last stop before Cusco, and had to take a taxi in to Cusco, not getting home until close to 2200 hours.  The train ride provided us with food, drinks and entertainment in the form of a dancer in traditional costume, followed by a fashion show of Peruvian garments. 

That's all for now.  Tomorrow is another day in llama land.