Machu Picchu

The train to Machu Picchu

The road from Augas Caliente

First glimpse of the ruins

Machu Picchu!

A slightly different angle

From the top looking down

In the middle

No, the llama is not a paid model

Wow! What an amazing experience. The three day trip to Cuzco, Machu Picchu, and the Sacred Valley was everything I expected and more. I took over 100 pictures of Machu Picchu alone. None of the pictures even begin to show the size and majesty of the place. I have always known that my eyes see far more than I am able to capture with my camera, but this trip really brought that point home.

Our trip started early on New Year's Day (after a late night of celebrating). Blanca had never been on an airplane before. Watching her reminded me of my first flight. She was amazed at everything we saw out the window and took lots of pictures of clouds and mountains. On my first flight, I used a whole roll of 110 film for clouds. Thank goodness for digital photography!

After arriving at our hotel in Cuzco, we boarded a tour bus for some Inca ruins near Cuzco. These ruins are the "baby" ruins, with few stairs. Visiting them laid the groundwork for the others, introducing the various building forms and techniques as well as the essential components of the Inca pueblos. We finished up the day with a visit to Blanca's aunt and "tea" with all of the fixings.

Our second day was also an early start, leaving our hotel at 6:30 for the town of Ollyantantambo where we caught the train to Augas Caliente. From Augas Caliente, you either hike up a mile or two of stairs to Machu Picchu, or take a bus. Thankfully our tour included the bus option, so I do not have to defend our decision to ride rather than walk! The picture of the road from Augas Caliente shows all of the switchbacks. The stairs cut pretty much straight up the mountain, bisecting the road.

When you get off of the bus, you are at the entrance to Machu Picchu. You enter through a "guard station" and walk down the path just a few feet, and there, before your eyes is the sight you have been waiting for, your first glimpse of Machu Picchu. I know I am a schmutz, but I did get a lump in my throat and a few tears in my eyes at that point. It was truly amazing to see.

The day was overcast and rainy. Most of the visitors wore rain ponchos, which you can purchase from any number of vendors for about one dollar. I had my lovely TCH semi-waterproof jacket, and declined the plastic poncho. I was pretty wet. The sun did eventually come out, and the transformation was amazing. At various times, the clouds rolled in and out, and back in again, but in between, there were some incredible and breath taking views.

To be continued...