Cusco/Machu Picchu Part 2 (Late June 2015)
Machu Picchu Day 1
I chose to take the bus instead of walking the 1 1/2 hours up the mountain to reach Machu Picchu. From what I read it wasn't worth the time to hike up and I wanted to save my energy for my hike up WaynaPicchu the next day.
The bus system was very efficient. I hopped right on and began the scary 30 minute ride of the mountain. The road winds back and forth up the mountain. No guard rails except for in 1 or 2 spots. In most spots the road is only wide enough for one bus to fit, but the buses traveled both up and down the road sooo often times you had to stop and wait for a bus to pass before continuing.
Machu Picchu was absolutely stunning and breathtaking. My pictures truly don't do it justice. It is something you must see in person. It is an unbelievable feeling to be standing in a city built in the 15th century on top of a mountain. The amount of time, effort, and intelligence required to build it is truly remarkable.
I enjoyed taking my time as I walked around trying to soak it all in. I had read on another blog that it was recommended to stay as late as you can. It was a great recommendation. I found some nice quiet spots to relax, write in my journal and eat a few snacks. Slowly the place began to get less crowded and quieter as people took the buses back down the mountain. As the sun began to set, I aimlessly wondered through the ruins again, but this time I almost had the place to myself. Magical :)
Machu Picchu Day 2
The evening before I was frantically researching the climb of WaynaPicchu again and chatting with a friend. I was completely psyching myself out and was worried I might plummet to my death during the hike. But in the end I decided to just go for it and I am so happy that I did! It turned out it wasn't as strenuous or death-defying as I had imagined. I took my time - slow, steady and cautious. Most people hiked without a guide as the trail was easy to manage. You just had to watch your step in places as the trail was quite narrow in some places. The view from the top was just amazing. I could have sat up there all day.
I decided to walk down the mountain from Machu Picchu back to the Aguas Calientes. It took about an hour and I stopped off at the museum down at the bottom. Before I knew it I had taken the train back to Cusco and was on a plane flying back to Brazil to gather all my bags before moving home. So glad I had the chance to make this trip. :)
Machu Picchu Tips
-Book your tickets online as early as you can
-You must pick up your official ticket in Aguas Calientes
-You can buy your PeruRail ticket online
-Buy the bus ticket the night before (US$24 - you can pay in US dollars)
-Bring your passport with your ticket to enter
-Bring water and snacks (They say food cannot enter the park, but they don't check small backpacks)
-Bring coins to use the banos (bathrooms) up in the park area
-Bring toilet paper (After living in Brazil, I always carry some in my purse, just in case!)
-Wear sunscreen! (with the high elevation you are much closer to the sun!)
-Dress in layers ( I went at the end of June/beginning of July and it was cool in the morning but was sweating in my tank top and pants by the early afternoon)
-STAY AS LATE IN MACHU PICCHU AS YOU CAN! I read this on another blog and it was great advice!
I chose to take the bus instead of walking the 1 1/2 hours up the mountain to reach Machu Picchu. From what I read it wasn't worth the time to hike up and I wanted to save my energy for my hike up WaynaPicchu the next day.
The bus system was very efficient. I hopped right on and began the scary 30 minute ride of the mountain. The road winds back and forth up the mountain. No guard rails except for in 1 or 2 spots. In most spots the road is only wide enough for one bus to fit, but the buses traveled both up and down the road sooo often times you had to stop and wait for a bus to pass before continuing.
Machu Picchu was absolutely stunning and breathtaking. My pictures truly don't do it justice. It is something you must see in person. It is an unbelievable feeling to be standing in a city built in the 15th century on top of a mountain. The amount of time, effort, and intelligence required to build it is truly remarkable.
I enjoyed taking my time as I walked around trying to soak it all in. I had read on another blog that it was recommended to stay as late as you can. It was a great recommendation. I found some nice quiet spots to relax, write in my journal and eat a few snacks. Slowly the place began to get less crowded and quieter as people took the buses back down the mountain. As the sun began to set, I aimlessly wondered through the ruins again, but this time I almost had the place to myself. Magical :)
Main Entrance
The walk to the Sun Gate
View from the Sun Gate down towards the windy road the bus travels to get to MP
Machu Picchu Day 2
The evening before I was frantically researching the climb of WaynaPicchu again and chatting with a friend. I was completely psyching myself out and was worried I might plummet to my death during the hike. But in the end I decided to just go for it and I am so happy that I did! It turned out it wasn't as strenuous or death-defying as I had imagined. I took my time - slow, steady and cautious. Most people hiked without a guide as the trail was easy to manage. You just had to watch your step in places as the trail was quite narrow in some places. The view from the top was just amazing. I could have sat up there all day.
Final crawl through space before reaching the summit
The stairs were just wide enough for my little feet! Going down was definitely scarier than going up!
I decided to walk down the mountain from Machu Picchu back to the Aguas Calientes. It took about an hour and I stopped off at the museum down at the bottom. Before I knew it I had taken the train back to Cusco and was on a plane flying back to Brazil to gather all my bags before moving home. So glad I had the chance to make this trip. :)
Machu Picchu Tips
-Book your tickets online as early as you can
-You must pick up your official ticket in Aguas Calientes
-You can buy your PeruRail ticket online
-Buy the bus ticket the night before (US$24 - you can pay in US dollars)
-Bring your passport with your ticket to enter
-Bring water and snacks (They say food cannot enter the park, but they don't check small backpacks)
-Bring coins to use the banos (bathrooms) up in the park area
-Bring toilet paper (After living in Brazil, I always carry some in my purse, just in case!)
-Wear sunscreen! (with the high elevation you are much closer to the sun!)
-Dress in layers ( I went at the end of June/beginning of July and it was cool in the morning but was sweating in my tank top and pants by the early afternoon)
-STAY AS LATE IN MACHU PICCHU AS YOU CAN! I read this on another blog and it was great advice!
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