Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

Train to the start of our hike (km 104)
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Our time in Peru has come to an end and we saved the best for last. With Anna we were unable to do the classic 4 day Inca Trail, so we choose the 1 day hike. Our guide, Socrates (or Soccer as Anna called him) met us on Saturday and took us by train to the start of the trail. The trail is part of the original network of trails that the Incas built hundreds of years ago. The trek was fascinating because it is set in a steep valley and all along the way there were Inca ruins.

We started near Chamcabama, then we made a steep climb (over 500 m up in 2 hours).  We came to Winay Wayna, where we breaked for lunch.  We then trekked along 'Andean Flats', until we came to the Sun Gate, where we had our first glimpse of Machu Picchu.  As Angelica frantically tried to remove the camera from her pocket, it disappeared from view.  We were experiencing the temperamental weather of the Andes, going from hot and sunny to cold and rainy.  We waited at the Sun Gate for a while in the rain, then decided to make the trek down to Machu Picchu.  Once we were almost down, the clouds broke and we were able to see the whole thing.  We were able to take a few pictures, before we headed into town for the night.

Chachabamba
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The next morning we returned to have a tour and wander around. Machu Picchu is truly a remarkable place.  It is a whole city, built on the top of a steep mountain, that had not been destroyed.  When it was discovered in 1911, it appeared to have been abandoned, with only nature taking over.  There are many theories why it was built, but no one knows for sure.

Mark hiked to the top of Wina Picchu, the mountain over looking the ruins, but Angelica and Anna stayed back as it was too steep for them!

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We both really enjoyed hiking around looking at all the ruins. It is fascinating to see how well these temples/homes were built. Now, 800 years after they were built, you couldn't slide a piece of paper between some of the rocks.

Anna loved wandering through all the houses, serving tea and cookies.  She is missing kids though.  While waiting for our train, Anna found a little girl to share her snack with.  After saying 'Hola', Anna continued talking in complete jibberish, then laughing.  After a minute we realized that she is aware that they are speaking in a different language, and is trying to communicate by making stuff up.