Two years ago I traveled to Ushuia, Argentina which is known as the end of the world. While it is not the top of the world, traveling to Machu Picchu sure felt like it was. It started with a train ride from Ollayntaytambo to Aguas Calientes. I arrived in the mid afternoon which was too late to head to MP so I spent the day figuring out some of the next parts of my trip and checking out the town. Lonely Planet describes Aguas Calientes as part tourist trap and part wild wild west town. I can see how they came up with this description.
The next morning I was up early to take the bus to MP. For some reason I didn’t sleep well but I didn’t let that stop me from heading up early. I wanted to head up early anyway to beat some of the crowds, the heat and to get some pictures. It took about 30 minutes for the bus to ascend the mountain to MP. It’s a amazing how the Incas used to build the teraces on the side of a mountain and then climb them and farm.
While I am glad I got up early to head to MP it did not make for good pictures. There were too many shadows early in the morning which was throwing off the white balance of my pictures. I then opted to hike to the Inca Bridge and the Sun Gate. The Inca Bridge proved once more how crazy the Incas were with what they would built on the side of a mountain. These guys had to be sure footed to do what they did.
The Sun Gate gave a great view of the entire valley. This is also the end of the Inca Trail hike into MP. While I had wanted to do the Inca Trail hike, I was glad I didn’t. I had been doing plenty of hiking already and it gave me more time to see other places.
After finishing at MP I headed back to Aguas Calientes for my Thanksgiving lunch before heading to Cusco for the night. Guinea Pig is something that is commonly eaten in Peru and I decided that would be my Thanksgiving lunch. Unfortunately I was disappointed with it. I think it may have just been the place I had it though. Either way I’m glad I tried it even if I think it made me sick. After a bit of shopping it was time to take the train back to Cusco. There I had ceviche and pisco sour for dinner. I had to be up early the next morning to take the bus to Puno to see Lake Titikaka.