Machu Picchu, Peru

On Friday I took Peru Rail from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes where I was met by the owner of my B&B. We walked through a multitude of crafts markets up to the B&B and I spent the day exploring the extremely touristy, small & run-down town. (Ummmmm..... why do we need a Via de Escape ~ escape street???????? And no, no alpaca or guinea pig for me, thanks)












The next morning I awoke at 4:30am, and took the 5:30am bus to the entrance to Machu Picchu. This involves 20 minutes of switch back climbing up these remarkable mountains.

What an amazing place MP is! I had no idea it was this large or this extensive. My first order of business was to get high up above the grounds to get the classic picture of MP before the hoards of people started arriving (many people visit MP as a long day trip from Cusco and start arriving around 9am, hence my early morning start for a more private & peaceful experience). What a beautiful view!!!! Given that it is the rainy season here, I was so lucky to have a relatively clear view (overcast, but we are up at cloud level, so it can be hit or miss what you can see on any given day).




I was surprised to find llamas up here as well! So cool! And just up the hill were people entering the city after having traveled 4 days on the Inca Trail, passing in through what is known as the Sun Gate. They were so happy to have arrived!




My next destination was to wander the labyrinth of the Incan city, discovering the significance of various locations including the baths, jails, look outs, eating areas, places of religious worship, and abodes. It was an unbelievable maze and little paths led to many dead ends. Truly a remarkable place.
























I finished my 4+ hour wanderings with a visit to the Incan bridge. Unbelievable.








It is truly a wondrous place, and the views of the steep Andes surrounding you as clouds come and go was perhaps even more stunning. Fantastic and well worth the journey to get here!












This day was my Dad's birthday....... Happy Birthday, Dad!!!

Location:Aguas Calientes, Cuzco, Peru