March 6 & 7 Machu Picchu

High in the Andes of Peru, there is a mysterious city under the shadow of the mountain they call Machu Picchu.  No one knows exactly why this ancient city was built here.  It is not in a militarily strategic location, nor was there any population centers around it.  The latest thinking is that it was a religious center, and many of its aspects serve to support that supposition.  Join us as Cathy and I explored this ancient wonder.

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In the morning we return to Ollantaytambo to board the train to Machu Picchu.  The train takes about 1 ½ hours following along the Uru river.  I wondered as I watched the rapids if anyone had ever tried to kayak this river.  Looks daunting. 

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Arriving in the town at the foot of the mountain was surprising as the town seems newly built.  Much of the streets are smoothly paved and as you can see has quite a modern, though touristy feel. 

We boarded a bus to take us to the Belmond Sanctuary Lodge that is just outside the entrance to the archeological site.  This is a fabulous hotel.  Very luxurious. 

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After lunch we followed our guide Maria, to the point where we could take the iconic photo that takes in most all of the site. 

Then we trekked through the site to her explanation of the various rooms and assumed functions of each.  So far we had lucked out with the weather.  This being toward the end of the rainy season, we were fortunate to have had reasonably good weather, up to this point.  But it could not hold, and it started to rain about half way through our tour of the site.

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Every once in a while, you encounter a stone that appears out of place.  But when you look at in the context of its environment you can see that it mimics the mountains in the background. 

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Of course, this is Peru and you encounter llamas and alpacas everywhere.  Cathy could not resist the opportunity to interact.

We finished our tour and returned to the hotel for dinner and a good night’s rest as the next day promised a long hike to the highest peak, the Sun Gate.

March 7^th – the hike to the Sun Gate

Considering my fear of heights, I approached this day with some trepidation.  But with the urging of my loving wife, I persevered.  We left the hotel at 7 to enter a long line of people entering the park.  Six of our group started the trek.  We headed straight for the trail to the Sun Gate.  This is a narrow path cut into the side of the mountain.  At some places it is barley three feet wide with a steep drop off.  The steps are uneven, being the original path cut over 400 years ago.  I found that if I just kept my eyes on the ground in front of me, I would be ok. 

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I have to say, the views were spectacular, and I was happy I made the hike.  After some pictures at the top, it was back down the trail, which I found a bit easier going.

Then back to the hotel for a quick shower and then we all got on the bus to head to our next stop the city of Cusco.  Our hotel there was awe inspiring being in a converted monastery.  The entrance to the lobby was through the church.  The grounds are immaculate, and it being Opera night in the restaurant, the entertainment was fabulous.

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Then a well deserved rest.  More to come. The 8^th in Cusco and then back to Lima!