Machu Picchu

I’m pretty far behind in our saga because our internet connections have been frustratingly intermittent. Friday morning we set out on our journey to Machu Picchu, one of the highlights of the trip. Instead of taking the train from Cusco, for some reason we drove two hours to another train station. This can be tricky since a stubborn cow, sheep or driver blocking the way can cost you precious time on these sometimes narrow, treacherous roads. We had several delays and just barely made it to the train on time.

But the drive did provide us with the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful Andean scenery. We were driving at an elevation near 12,000 feet. I think of mountains at that height, but this  landscape was miles and miles of plains of farmland with glacier capped peaks in the background. We saw many local people in traditional dress tending their crops and livestock.

The train was very comfortable. For some reason, I had expected rustic. Just as we arrived at the town of Aguas Calientes, where we would stay, it began to rain. We lunched at the park and it rained harder. But we were not deterred. We set out to explore the ruins in spite of the fog and rain.

The climb to the top “window” was rocky, steep and slippery, but I had no difficulty with the altitude so the medicine must work. The view from the top was breathtaking. We spent the next three hours climbing up and down and around various areas until well after the park was closed. I was exhausted, but nothing Motrin and a couple of pisco sours couldn’t cure.

Since the weather was predicted to still be rainy and foggy the next day we decided not to try for sunrise at Machu Picchu which is supposed to be spectacular. Our guide had told us to climb Wayna Picchu (that peak in the background behind the ruins) we needed to get in line at 4am for a reservation. That was not going to happen. But when we arrived at the gate around 10am, we discovered they were letting people in. It was too late for us to make it to the top, but Larry and I decided on the spur of the moment to go as high as we could before we had to catch the bus.

It was very steep and slippery and we had to take it slowly. The view of the ruins was awesome. Do I look like I'm dying? That blank looking spot in the background far below is Machu Picchu. I had no idea I could do something that difficult. We only made it three quarters of the way to the top, but the important thing was that I know I could have made it all the way given enough time. Next trip.