On the morning of our trek up to Machu Picchu we got a wake up call at 4.30am, had a quick breakfast before we went to the bus station to catch the first available bus. Turning the corner, there was already at least 100 people waiting in line before us. By 5.30am we were sitting on the bus ready for the 30 minute journey up the winding mountain dirt road to the park entrance. At this point there was already about 200 people waiting in line before we arrived. Sunrise was still at least half an hour away and we knew it would be spectacular if we could reach the summit by that time, and we wouldn't be dissappointed.
We have been left speechless and breathless due to the sheer beauty and serenity of the views and the climb up the narrow paths. People were sitting, some bent over trying to gasp for air due to the altitude and the pain they were enduring from the climb. Our hearts went out to those of our group who were just making their way through the Sun Gate over the other side of the valley, after 3 days and on their last stretch of the Inca Traill.
When we reached the best viewing point, the sun rose over the mountain across the valley, there seemed to be this unwritten rule that there be absolute silence. Not a word from the crowds that had gathered to see one of the New 7 Wonders of the World.
Just amazing and the pictures tell the story!!  |
| Peru Rail trip from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu Village |
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| Machu Picchu Peublo |
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| View from the Train of snow capped Andes |
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| Inca Trail Camp |
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| Start of the Inca Trail |
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| Cloud Forest and Land slides |
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| TJ admiring the view of Machu Picchu |
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| The 5.30 crowd at the Entrance gate |
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| Before Dawn at Machu Picchu |
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| Peruvian Hairless dog |
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| Grupas de las Tres Portadas |
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| View towards Waynapicchu |
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| TJ and others enjoying the view |
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| Looking up towards The Sungate |
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| Postcard Picture Perfect |
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| Sunrise over the Andes |
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| Me |
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| View to the Guardhouse |
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| Path to Inca Bridge |
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| Guardhouse |
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| View over Main Square |
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| View from Guardhouse to Wayanpicchu |
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| Llama mother and baby taking a stroll |
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| View from the Guard House (Restored with Roof) |
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| Overlooking the steep terraces |
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| The Temples Zone |
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| Plaza Principal |
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| Views looking down into the valley |
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| East Agricultual Terraces |
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| Temple of the Three windows |
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| Ceremonial Rock (Carved Granite shaped as the background mountains) |
Another couple of relics that we saw at Machu Picchu that haven't been spotted for a long time......
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| Relic of "Let's get Physical" days AND FINALLY |
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| MULLET of Machu (the best we have seen) |
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