Machu Piccu
An hour and a half downriver on the scenic railway got us to Aguas Callientes, the station/small town in the valley below Macchu Piccu. From there one can walk up 600 m cimb of steep steps or take a bus (30 minutes of severe zig-zags – we took this easy option).
Day 1: Steven and I took the track to Machu Piccu mountain that rises precipitously 600 m from the ruins. The peak is over 3000 m, so the air is rather thin for climbing. It took us quite a while. We then enjoyed the top, with
Machu Piccu Mountain – endless amusement watching selfie takers.
the spectacular views of the ruins and the
Machu Piccu, cave under the temple of the sun
surrounding mountains, and the amusement of watching the selfie crowd. Then we were told to ‘Vamos’ by the staff, so we headed down and pottered around the ruins until closing time, when we headed down to our accommodation at Aguas Callientes
Machu Piccu
Day 2: Up at 4:15 for 4:30 breakfast then out to the bus-stop just after 5am for the 5:30 first bus. There was already a queue – I counted about 300 in front of us, and by the time the first bus arrived there were 200 more behind us. We eventually got a bus at 5:50 and headed up. First, we headed up the other peak adjacent, Huayna Piccu – fortunately only 300 m vertical climb. Once again the views were fabulous. Early morning light over the mountains, and views of Machu Piccu from the other side. The climb was steep, definitely not for the acrophobic, and near the top are some Inca stairways that are near precipitous. Then down to the ruins again for a gentle potter around with the rest of our travel group.
Inca stairway
Machu Piccu from Huayna Piccu
There are lots more photos here: https://goo.gl/photos/tNbx8DfND6fAUtgB9