Sunrise at Machu Picchu - May 27

This was the day – Machu Picchu.  Jose told us last night that we were scheduled to arrive at the entrance to Machu Picchu at 6:00 am so he arranged for 4:15 wake-up calls.  Painful, to say the least.  We all arrived at the appointed place at the hotel and arranged for our luggage to be taken to the train station to be picked up later in the day and then we were off at 5:30.  We walked for about 10 minutes through the town until we encountered an extremely long line of tourists also waiting for the buses to Machu Picchu.  A short while later, we were on our way up a very steep, windy, twisty road towards the ruins.  After about 25 minutes, we pulled into the parking lot where we again stood in line and waited our turn to go through the turn stiles.

Once through, we faced a rigorous climb up the path which would have been difficult enough without adding in the high altitude and lack of oxygen.  Most of us were wheezing rather loudly about five minutes into the hike (that’s my story and I’m sticking with it).  And then we were there!  Machu Picchu!!!  I was beyond words – and not due to lack of oxygen.  It was one of the most awe inspiring sights I have ever seen.  I’ve been fortunate to see many beautiful places around the world, but Machu Picchu definitely goes to the top of the list.  These pictures don’t even begin to do it justice.

As if the scene in front of us wasn’t enough, we were privileged to witness the sun rise over the mountain and shine upon the ruins.  It was a magical experience.  We spent three hours wandering around listening to Jose tell us the history of Machu Picchu and the region.  The time flew by and we were very reluctant to leave but we had a train to catch and after yesterday’s exciting train experience, no one was willing to mess with the train schedule.  But before we left, we all used the Machu Picchu passport stamp to give ourselves official document evidence that we had been to Machu Picchu.

½ hour later, we were back in the village waiting for the train back to Ollantaytambo and soon enough it was there.  The train ride back was a bit odd – and not for almost missing it, but because the train attendants gave a fashion show half way through the trip.  Huh?!  They walked up and down the aisle wearing clothes weaved with Peruvian wool to the accompaniment of Peruvian music.  But all of the passengers got into the spirit of it and started clapping to the music and encouraging them.  Very surreal!  After the fashion show was over, they pedaled their wares to the passengers for the remainder of the trip.  To make up for it though the scenery was spectacular.

Once we arrived at Ollantaytambo (thank goodness), we transferred to a bus and had a very serene and calm trip back to the airport in Cusco.  Our flight back to Lima and the ship was very boring and soon we were back in our cabins with this extraordinary adventure behind us.  It is one that I will never forget and will always treasure as one of the best experiences of my life.