Bruce and I finally have met our match! It was Machu Picchu, the Mountain and the Inca Trail!
We were awakened at 5:30 a.m., as promised, looking forward to seeing the sunrise over Machu Picchu. (We just barely made it, for the red tape surrounding thechecking of passports and the acquisition of tickets for the site, made us just a few minutes late - but we were certainly there, early enough to capture and feel the magic of the moment.)
We waited at campsite road for our early bus, driving us up this 30 minutes steep, switchback trail to the base of the mountain. I've learned to relax and let the bus drivers do their thing - I no longer drive for them! (As if my doing this every made a difference before!) Frankly, I'm just too exhausted to think, and I have learned the value of 'trust' as we ventured on all these excursions throughout Peru.
Our campsite, a 20 minute walk outside Aquas Calientes, was set on the flattest piece of ground we have seen so far. Green and grassy land, and right beside a river. Bathrooms were in a fixed cemented building, and were the filthiest we have ever encountered. Yuk! Our visits were FAST!
Our last breakfast of pancakes was as delicious, as always. This morning, we bade our farewells to the cook and the assistant cook, also leaving them with a healthy tip from the group. These two young men provided us with exceptional meals, under conditions of duress, from our point of view, and we were extremely thankful for these gourmet meals that nourished us on the trek.
Entered Machu Picchu gates and we immediately felt the sacredness of this World Heritage site. We began the walk upwards, weaving through the Inca steps, overlooking the many terraces. Cesar provided us with a 2.5 hour historical tour, taking us to all the important, meaningful and 'no so well-known' places,where we admired the exquisite Inca construction of the walls, the buildings, the statues, and the grassy terraces. We were all in awe of Machu Picchu - its history, its vastness and its beauty. What a gift we have been given - just to be here!
Stopped for coffee with other group members, then returned to explore more of MP. I'm now smitten - I need to read more about the history, customs and traditions of Peru.
At 2 p.m., we boarded the bus returning us to Aquas Calientes, relaxing on our drive, admiring the different flowers and plants along the way. Stopped for lunch at El Toldo, and had a wonderful surprise - Cesar joined us.
Then we did the touristy thing, exploring the town, which is completely tourist centered. Visited the small church, stopping to give thanks for our safe journey, then walked around the town square and visited with group members that we met along the way. We took photos, shared our enthusiastic stories, and we were all ever so grateful that we had arrived at our destination, safe and sound, living to tell about our experiences along the way. Imagine, we still had energy to do all of this - after 4 days of hard trekking!
4 p.m. Our group met at El Toldo restaurant, and we walked together to the train station, with 2 Peruvians, wheeling our camp bags of a make-shift cart, uphill all the way, (such a funny sight!) through an interesting and colourful marketplace (which I had missed altogether!).
Boarded the train for Cusco at 5 p.m. We all enjoyed the 3.5 hours of sitting - no moving whatsoever! Rails were rickety, and the train bobbled back & forth, just like the old Western trains of years gone by. We continued to share our stories and connect with one another - one last time.
Boarded the bus, taking us into Cusco, at 8:30 p.m. Arrived in town one hour later. Bruce and I reluctantly bade our adieux to this wonderful people who supported us so completed during this trek. Even though we were tired and sore, we feel completely fulfilled because 'we made it' - on our own steam, with encouragement and support from our 'friends' and guides. We consider ourselves fortunate to have met them, and have been a part of their lives for 5 long days. Bruce and I thanked them from the bottom of our hearts, for their patience and kindness towards us - the elders!
Hotel Ninos opened their doors to us once more! Our little haven in Cusco... Ninos Hotel.
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