Machu Picchu
July 4-5, 2010
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We got to Aguas Calientes around noon, and realized just how touristy this place is. Probably the most touristy place in South America... all the day trippers rushed up to Machu Picchu, while we enjoyed an afternoon nap and explored the small town.

The next morning, we were up at 5am, planning to catch the first 5:30am bus up to the ruins. Amazingly, when we got there at 5:20, we realized there are over 100 people in line before us already! And there were dozens of buses lined up... what a zoo. It was so busy, we worried about missing sunrise - the reason we got up so early! As it happened, we had plenty of time, as the sun doesn't peak over the mountains until much later. We waited for a while at a nice viewpoint, in order to get some sunrise shots, and then we quickly ran away from there before the true crowds arrived. We hiked up to the Sungate, and then to the top of Machu Picchu mountain, which was over 800 meters of elevation gain, and we saw only about 4 people total! It was a nice conditioning hike before our Huayhuash hike, and gave us a nice birds-eye view of the ruins. After we had enough of hanging out at the top and enjoying the views, we came down, walked through the ruins one last time, and headed back down to town. A dip in the hot springs that the town is famous for, a great dinner, and we were on our way back to Cuzco!

And next, the Huayhuash!

  The train ride from Cuzco to Aguas Calientes is next to this beautiful river Arriving in Aguas Calientes  
  The train ride from Cuzco to Aguas Calientes is next to this beautiful river Arriving in Aguas Calientes

  Our hotel Waiting for sunrise  
  Our hotel Waiting for sunrise

   
 

   
 

  The switchbacks are the road the buses take. View from the Sungate Sungate. At summer solstice, sunrise perfectly illuminates Machu Picchu from here  
  The switchbacks are the road the buses take. View from the Sungate Sungate. At summer solstice, sunrise perfectly illuminates Machu Picchu from here

  Next hike, to the top of Machu Picchu mountain Next valley over  
  Next hike, to the top of Machu Picchu mountain Next valley over

  The top of the mountain  
  The top of the mountain

  Machu Picchu as seen from the top  
  Machu Picchu as seen from the top

   
 

  The flag & summit as seen from Machu Picchu: fairly long way!  
  The flag & summit as seen from Machu Picchu: fairly long way!

   
 

   
 

  Unbelievable room at the Loki hostel in Cuzco  
  Unbelievable room at the Loki hostel in Cuzco

  This is a hostel!? Hotel room view of Cuzco  
  This is a hostel!? Hotel room view of Cuzco

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