After flying back to Lima and then getting a flight to Cuzco, we went to Ollontaytambo. We arrived in the Plaza De Armas in the evening, found a hostel there, walked around a little because the little stone town was lovely to see with its few lights lighting up the cobblestones. Our room was very nice and cheap and Tyler was stoked for hot water in the shower! The next morning we were astounded to find that the town was surrounded by massive green hills and ruins. After marveling a little, we found a market and I got a huge avocado and he got a mango and we got on the Veronica Combi (minibus) to the Kilometer 82 stop where we would begin our 30km hike to Aguas Calientes, the town at the base of Machu Picchu.
The bus ride was a bit long and very bumpy but the end of the road was the train station that shuttles people to and from Machu Picchu. After some arguing with the guy working by the train station who wouldn't let us walk on the tracks when we could see locals in the distance, we walked up and around and began our trek. The trail followed the tracks for the first half but we didn't have to walk on it often. We walked through trails with flora and fauna that reminded me of a jungle. The river to our side was roaring consistently in our ears but I don't mind that sound. We got to stop at ruins along the way that everyone on the bus wouldn't get to see. It was a wonderful hike, we were surprised to see that people lived a long most all of the trail.
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| Starting the trail! |
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We went through a few tunnels quite quickly to make sure there wasn't a train to bother us! The second half of the trail we walked along the tracks or right next to them for the most part. We camped out in the tent we borrowed from my brother David once it started getting dark. We'd made it to the kilometer 104 mark and it seemed like a good time to rest. I slept so bad! My back on rocks and the trains feeling like thunder when they came. But the next morning was Valentines and I got a nice treat of some chocolate bars and a beautiful ring.
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| My pretty moonstone ring :) |
We finished the hike, found somewhere to stay in Aguas Calientes, a hotel called Margarita's House that we highly recommend! We then set up our tent in the room to let it dry out because it rained hard all night long. We bought our tickets for Machu Picchu for the next day and went to the Hot Springs. They were nice and soothed our muscles after having carried our bags so long. There were quite a few different pools at different temperatures, we liked the warmest ones!
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| At the HotSprings |
We had a wonderful dinner, Tyler had alpaca burritos and I had papa rellenes which is mashed potatoes that they form back to look like a potato but with veg and egg inside and then cook again. It was really delicious! The town has music playing in the main square, love songs to celebrate.
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| My dinner |
We got up early on the 15th. I wanted to do the hike up to MP and not take the bus. Tyler wasn't feeling well so we left later than expected, around 6AM. the hike up was nice, it was foggy and very rainy and we were sweaty! He still wasn't feeling too well so we stopped a lot, but actually passed quite a few people so I was proud :D
When we first entered I saw a sign for the sun gate which I'd read about so we hiked for ages away from the main ruins for this gate. Honestly, we weren't too impressed. The hike was long and wet and there wasn't much to see, maybe because it was so foggy and we couldn't see any kind of a view, but we made the long walk back to the main ruins where the fog had just barely started to lift and we began to catch small glimpses of the infamous ruins.
There was a sign to the 'Inca Bridge' and after signing in (maybe to make sure everyone comes back?) we walked probably 15 minutes to a really cool "bridge" created by the Incas. It was built into the side of this massive cliff and it was just a walkway so they could get across. It was blocked off from us which was pretty disappointing but it was still amazing to see it. It looked really dangerous!!
When we reached the main ruins once again, the fog was really lifting for us. We then saw what all the hype and talk is about. The ruins of Machu Picchu are breathtaking. They're just sitting there nestled in the middle of massive foresty mountains on all sides. It looks like the ultimate safe haven. After marveling from above, we descended into the heart and spent the next few hours exploring.
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| enjoy :) |
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| Awesome architecture |
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| Lots of people |
Once we were done with the up close experience, we went back up high and sat and just looked at the Inca's home for ages. Eventually we hiked back down, and got a train back to Cuzco.
I am so thankful for this guy right here! He's kept up with me and been the best friend and travel companion I could ask for :) Hope you all spend a little time being thankful for the wonderful people who've been placed into your life :) love to all!
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