A Walk In The Clouds

Machu Picchu day!   I took the Peru Rail train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Caliente.  It was a 2 hour ride along the Rio Urubamba.  You could only see the Inca Trail in one spot, and we only saw one hiker from afar.  Aguas Caliente means hot springs, and is the town at the base of Machu Picchu.  Once we got off the train - all I saw was souvenir shops for blocks and blocks.  Aguas Caliente is a pedestrian town - there are no cars, motorcycles or taxis.  Just a train station and bus station. 

Train from Ollantaytambo to Agua Caliente.

Your fist view upon arrival.

We walked in the pouring rain to the Machu Picchu museum.  We learned that Machu Picchu means 'Big Peak' and was discovered by Hiram Bingham of Yale University in 1911.  It was all covered with grass and trees, so he began the excavation work in 1912 (the locals knew it was there so Hiram didn't really 'discover' it...did he!).  Many of the artifacts are still with Yale, but some were available to see at the museum. 

A bus took us up 400 meters in elevation via many switchbacks along the mountain.  We hand in our tickets at the gate, and don't see much but the hotel and gift shop.  As soon as we turned the corner - WOW!  There it is...the ancient city that is on top of Machu Picchu.  It is amazing, organized, clean and intact.  Thank goodness the Spanish didn't find this place and destroy it!

Zanner at Machu Picchu.

There are many terraces built up from the steep slope of the mountain.  The Incas began by building a rock wall straight up from the side of the mountain.  They then filled in between the mountain and the wall with gravel.  The top was packed with sand and then soil.  This allowed them to farm and grow their own food. 

View of many terraces used to increase the area of farmable land.

They also used these rock walls to set the foundation for their homes and temples. 

Housing built from rock walls on terraces.

The rocks in the homes are somewhat jagged.  But the rocks used on the sun temple are perfectly smooth.  The lines are perfectly straight, and all stones are polished.  You can use these features to distinguish where the important buildings are.

Outer wall of the Sun Temple.

The sun came out and the clouds were kissing the tops of the mountains. 

For the wet season - it was a perfect day.  Not too hot and not too cold (and not wet!).  We did the complete tour and Wilfredo, my tour guide, explained each area to us.  When we completed our tour and were leaving - the skies opened and it started to pour.  I cannot believe how, once again, we are the luckiest tour group ever!

To experience Machu Picchu is a gift.  And my gift to you is to leave the rest to your imagination until you can see it for yourself.