Machu Picchu

So we sprang out of bed at 5.30, ready to attack Machu Picchu at dawn. Unfortunately when we looked out, it was grey and cloudy, but nil desperandum we set off for the 6am opening of the gates – we were third in line, but by the time the gates opened, the hoards were streaming off the buses. Once we got in, the llama was there to welcome us.

Most people decided to go upwards, to see the first rays of the sun – huh! – so for a blissful hour we wandered the ruins, including bits we hadn’t got to the day before, in almost solitary splendour

We did find a few earnest hikers paying extra for the pleasure of climbing Huanipicchu, the tall pointy one that dominates most of the photos, but the ascent looked too steep for me, so we settled for tackling two easier hikes later in the day. We also saw several chinchillas, a sort of huge squirrel with a rather straggly tail

The very early light was beautiful, but the fog then rolled in, definitely killing any sunrise photos so once we’d seen all the bits we’d missed, including the Temple of the Condor – splendid.

Then we headed back for a hearty breakfast and a shower!

We set out again at about 11am to walk the Inka Trail back as far as the Sun Gate – as mentioned, the full trail is closed in February. It is a good hike of about an hour with great views of the mountains around and then of the main site. Not too many people, lots of interesting flora, all thoroughly enjoyable. Also, the sun came out to see us on our way, which helped the photos.

There were a few more people enjoying the sun at the Sun Gate itself, including our French friends of the day before, but we found a quiet spot to take 5 before reurning back down the same trail.

We then set off on the Inka bridge trail – this is declared to be an “easy” walk, just 30 mins and not too steep – what they failed to mention is that it is quite terrifying!! ‘elf and Safety would have a fit! We should have guessed at something being unusual when we were asked to sign in and sign out of the trail – so they can go back and check if anyone goes over the edge!!!

We went as far as we could bear, to the point where we could see the bridge clearly, but no further! This was the trail Hiram Bingham came along on the way to discovering Mac Pic, and his bravery/madness score went up the scale significantly once I realized that.

Then on back – very carefully - to the hotel, only to find we had, according to them, only booked for one night and were late vacating our room! Not the case, as we were able to prove with copies of the emails direct to the hotel confirming the two night stay. The manner in which it was handled was most surly and aggressive and not at all what one expects of a first class hotel, so we both made it clear we were very unhappy with the situation. We suggested the manager be called – but he was busy wining and dining with our French friends! Eventually, they conceded the mistake was theirs and graciously offered to upgrade us to full board for the two days, including wine, at no cost to us, and also sent a bottle of champers to our room.

By the time we got back into our – cleaned – room, it was nearly 4pm, so we just put in a bit more work on the blog, and did not return to the site for sunset as planned as it was foggy and rainy again.

Then down for drinks and a delicious supper, and nice bottle of wine……

Next day we treated ourselves to a lie in and just had a rest-day, lovely. We pottered about the garden and enjoyed the hummingbirds and flowers, strolled about a bit and then met up with the folks for the return journey at tea.