OK, let’s start right off with the money shot! Machu Picchu at dawn. WOW! We arrived very late into Aguas Calientes and had to be up at 4:30AM for the bus ride up to Machu Picchu. We were tired but inspired. Although the ruins were impressive, it’s the surroundings that really make it an unforgetable place. No wonder the Incas built here.
You MUST see it to believe it. Photos just don’t do it justice.
How did they (the Incas) do it?
Just another view.
Virgins were placed here during full moons because they were not allowed to look directly at the moon. But, they were able to see its reflection. Well, it’s a story anyway. If someone has a more accurate account of the meaning to these pools leave us a comment.
Are you starting to get a feel for the immensity of the place?
Climbing all these steps at this elevation wore us out.
Bill preparing to climb Huana Picchu, adjacent to the main ruins. He looks good now, but wait until after the incredible climb! We have a great after picture but decided not to show what death warmed over looks like. FYI… they only allow 200 people a day to enter hauna Picchu, so get there early. We witnessed a very upset woman when she was told she couldn’t enter.
Not much to say. We just liked the photo.
Looking back towards the entrance to Machu Picchu.
It must have been a cool place to live. From what we were told Machu Picchu was more of a resort town for the rich during its prime.
The place just begs to be photographed.
Exhuasted from the day at Machu Picchu, we get back to Aguas Calientes in search of, you guessed it, bebidas. We found a nice second floor balcony place overlooking the main plaza. The beer was cold and the food tasty.
That evening we hopped back on the train and returned to Cuzco. WOW! What a trip. Next stop, Puno and Lake Titicaca. Stay tuned because this area of Peru and Bolivia was as incredible as Machu Picchu.