- Joined
- May 17, 2006
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- 4,290
I rang in the New Year in Lima, Peru...then headed off to Cusco where Id eventually make my way to Agua Caliente, which is the kick-off point for Machu Picchu.
This was my 6th time to Peru, but each time has been to Lima, then up north to Iquitos (Amazon). After a week in the jungle and a hundred bug bites I never seemed to want to go right to Cusco and do a demanding trip like this.
Finally, Machu Picchu!
For those wondering how to get to Machu Picchu in the rainy season, it goes like this. Once you get to Cusco, Peru you need to take a 2 hour collectivo bus or cab to a little town called Ollantaytambo, this is where you then catch a 2 hour train (Peru Rail/Inca Rail) to Agua Caliente. Machu Picchu village is about a 30 min shuttle ride from the actual start of the Machu Picchu hike to the ruins. Another option is taking the Inca trail and hiking a great deal of the journey, but it takes a few months to reserve and is usually full.
Cusco is about 11,152 feet high. The hotels have oxygen in the rooms and for many people they need to acclimate to this elevation or they may suffer some effects of the altitude like pulmonary or cerebral edema.
Cusco is a UNESCO Heritage city and one of the most beautiful ones I have ever seen!
Cusco and surrounding areas
Alpaca
The local Beer
Countryside on the way to the Sacred Valley
Ollantaytambo (9,160 feet) has some very high ruins in the mountains and is the main train station to get to Machu Picchu.
The women in the different communities all have a specific hat and clothing that tells where they are from. Here, two women from different communities talk I think they saw me taking their photo too!
I followed this man for about 5 minutes. He had what I like to call a great character face and while the people were fixed on this parade of sorts, I was intrigued with his face.
I turned the corner into a very narrow alley and there they were
Machu Picchu (7,972 feet)
Misty morning
Sun Gate that overlooks the mountains and the ruins of Machu Picchu.
From the Sun Gate Machu Picchu can be seen. The weather cleared and I was about 40 min away from the ruins and was worried I would miss my shot. So I hurried!
Got it!
It just happened to be my birthday as I was staring at the ruins.
Then a friendly face!
Machu Picchu Ruins
Temple of the Sun
Three windows
Trail to the Inca Bridge
Outside of Machu Picchu is a place called Chinchero. They specialize in textiles.
Notice the different hats
Pisaq Ruins
Salt Mines of Maras
Taken from high up on a mountain
Walking though the salt mines
Moray
Another bucket list item crossed off, soon to be replaced with someplace new!
-RB
This was my 6th time to Peru, but each time has been to Lima, then up north to Iquitos (Amazon). After a week in the jungle and a hundred bug bites I never seemed to want to go right to Cusco and do a demanding trip like this.
Finally, Machu Picchu!
For those wondering how to get to Machu Picchu in the rainy season, it goes like this. Once you get to Cusco, Peru you need to take a 2 hour collectivo bus or cab to a little town called Ollantaytambo, this is where you then catch a 2 hour train (Peru Rail/Inca Rail) to Agua Caliente. Machu Picchu village is about a 30 min shuttle ride from the actual start of the Machu Picchu hike to the ruins. Another option is taking the Inca trail and hiking a great deal of the journey, but it takes a few months to reserve and is usually full.
Cusco is about 11,152 feet high. The hotels have oxygen in the rooms and for many people they need to acclimate to this elevation or they may suffer some effects of the altitude like pulmonary or cerebral edema.
Cusco is a UNESCO Heritage city and one of the most beautiful ones I have ever seen!
Cusco and surrounding areas
Alpaca
The local Beer
Countryside on the way to the Sacred Valley
Ollantaytambo (9,160 feet) has some very high ruins in the mountains and is the main train station to get to Machu Picchu.
The women in the different communities all have a specific hat and clothing that tells where they are from. Here, two women from different communities talk I think they saw me taking their photo too!
I followed this man for about 5 minutes. He had what I like to call a great character face and while the people were fixed on this parade of sorts, I was intrigued with his face.
I turned the corner into a very narrow alley and there they were
Machu Picchu (7,972 feet)
Misty morning
Sun Gate that overlooks the mountains and the ruins of Machu Picchu.
From the Sun Gate Machu Picchu can be seen. The weather cleared and I was about 40 min away from the ruins and was worried I would miss my shot. So I hurried!
Got it!
It just happened to be my birthday as I was staring at the ruins.
Then a friendly face!
Machu Picchu Ruins
Temple of the Sun
Three windows
Trail to the Inca Bridge
Outside of Machu Picchu is a place called Chinchero. They specialize in textiles.
Notice the different hats
Pisaq Ruins
Salt Mines of Maras
Taken from high up on a mountain
Walking though the salt mines
Moray
Another bucket list item crossed off, soon to be replaced with someplace new!
-RB
