Early this morning we caught the train from Cusco to Machu Picchu. It was only about 40 miles, but switch backs up the mountain and winding up canyons resulted in a 4 hour trip.
Machu Picchu is amazing. The closest thing I can compare it to is Stonehenge, in terms of a stone structure built with primitive tools, but I think MP far outshines Stonehenge. (I’ve never been to the Egyptian Pyramids, of course.)
We spent most of the day (after we got here) on a guided tour. The guide was an expert on almost everything related to the area. We are spending the night in a small town at the base of the mountain, then tomorrow a few of us are going back and climb 1000 feet above MP to one of their religious structures, while the lesser souls stay below and rest or shop.
Lots of pictures to show when we get back.
Everybody’s health is fine. We are getting used to the altitude, and anyway MP is quite a bit lower than Cusco; only about 8000 feet.
This is certainly the high point of the whole trip. I can’t imagine anything else we are going to see that can surpass this.
5 responses so far ↓
1 Donna // Jul 11, 2006 at 6:12 pm
I googled Machu Picchu to see what it was, and some photos I saw reminded me a bit of the Tulum Ruins I toured in Cancun. Definitely Machu Picchu is far more magnificent, but Tulum is also a stone village built in primitive times, so I get the jist of what you are seeing. Can’t wait to see your photos.
Glad everyone is feeling better.
2 Richard // Jul 12, 2006 at 8:12 am
I’ve seen many documentaries on MP on Discovery Chanel and really enjoyed them. It would be great to see it in person. Sounds like you are all having fun when you are not sick!
3 Donna // Jul 12, 2006 at 6:08 pm
Is there snow year round at these elevations? It’s the middle of winter there now, isn’t it? But as far north as you are, it’s probably pretty mild.
4 Robin // Jul 13, 2006 at 6:37 pm
It sounds like you are seeing some amazing things! Thanks for the updates, keep them coming!
5 Daryl // Jul 13, 2006 at 7:36 pm
See my next post for replies.