Machu Picchu, Peru

Unfortunately for us, the Incan trail was closed when we were there (it closes in February for maintenance) so both the 4/3 and 2/1 day hikes were out of the question for us. But we were very happy with our experience without one and wouldn't consider hiking the trail a mandatory at all. We took an afternoon train from Ollytantambo to Machu Picchu town (Aguas Calientes). The train was expensive but it was really nice, and basically the only way to get there besides hiking! We traveled along the Urumbama River and it was cool to see the scenery change into jungle.

Machu Picchu town seems cute and quaint at first, but it is a tourist trap with a Main Street full of restaurants, each one the same and bombarding you with invitations and deals. We went to check out the hot springs but were disappointed to find them luke warm, kinda dirty and in man made pools. They were packed full of people and we only stayed a few minutes. We focused on getting to bed early for our huge day the next morning!

We had an early wake up call of 4:30 am. Our goal was to be on the first bus, which left at 5:30 am. We were there at that time but there was already a long line and it was quite disorganized. Really funny (& frustrating) considering people are going to Machu Picchu and taking this bus every day. We arrived at the park around 7 am and looked for an English speaking tour with our friends we met in Ollantaytama, Luis and Reagan.

Walking in and seeing Machu Picchu for the first time is unreal!! It's so magestic. It looks just as you saw in pictures and imagined, but you can't believe that's what it is, and that it is right there in front of you. It's stunning. The fog was rolling through the valley and gave it a dreamy feeling.

first views of Machu Picchu

the terraces of Machu Picchu

the main town area of Machu Picchu

The tour was awesome and took us through all the areas of the ruins. Throughout, there was cool symbolism and reverence - like the 3 windows representing the past, present and future.

And the stones carved to replicate the surrounding mountains.

Waynupichu

Next we set out for our hike. There are three options - the Sun Gate, which doesn't require an additional cost or ticket, Waynupichu mountain and Machu Picchu (Montana) mountain. We opted for Machu Picchu mountain because after reading several accounts of Waynupichu, I was scared - it sounded very dangerous with narrow footpaths that were only a foot wide and next to sheer drop offs. 

choices…..a good decision?! ;)

at the start of the hike

Machu Picchu mountain was warned to be a tougher hike, given it's a decent bit higher, and full of stairs. I think they were correct!!! It's over 3,000 meters above sea level, and the hike is 3,000 + stairs up. 

endless stairs….the whole way up

After stopping often along the way, we made it to the top. My legs were like jello!!! 

accomplished!!

But the views along the hike were amazing - good excuses for breaks. 

And at the top, you get a birds eye view of the Machu Picchu ruins and Waynupichu mountain. One of the pros of this hike is that you get the vantage of the picturesque post card view that you always see. 

We ate sandwiches at the top and took in the view. Clouds were rolling in, so our best views were actually just below the peak. But the top was like a cloud forest with butterflies everywhere. 

At the bottom, we had a HUGE sense of relief and accomplishment. We sat and took in our last views of Machu Picchu and then we started our trek back to Cusco - we were catching the afternoon train back. It was a glorious and full day!! I had thought go back to Cusco that night so that we could eat at a better restaurant and go out, but we were so tired we went straight to bed upon or arrival!