Superiority at Machu Picchu

It’s a three day hike from the Inca Trail’s starting point to Machu Picchu.  Three days of tramping along narrow trails in amongst the lush green Andean vegetation alongside the raging brown Urubamba River.  Of Steep climbs at high altitude passing numerous historical sites perched high on the mountainside.  Of waterfalls, spectacular valley views, equally spectacular craggy green mountain vistas, and endlessly energetic porters.   

But come the afternoon of the third day, after a rope swing evacuation of a sick colleague across the rampaging river, after days of the taste of coca leaves to ward off altitude sickness, and after one more climb up steep stone steps cut into the pathway, we reached Intu PunKu, the Gate of the Sun.  That in itself would be worthy of celebration, but turning to your left suddenly there it is in all its glory; Machu Picchu.

Thankfully the Sun Gate’s ruins are positioned in such a way as to provide some excellent seats to sit and take it all in.  The ruined city laid out below you perched between two peaks in amongst the seemingly endless view of steep pointed green mountains.  It’s not a peaceful spot however, since the day-trippers, fresh from their train or bus from Cuzco can tramp their way to the Sun Gate too.   

I must confess to a sense of superiority over them however.  A feeling that I’d got there the hard way which made the place feel more special to me.  I’d earned it.  My first view of Machu Picchu was from the Sun Gate after three days of walking, rather than from the ticket office next to the ruins.

That evening only allowed time for a brief exploration before walking down the steep slopes to the town of Aguas Caliente in the valley below, and our campsite for the night, and the chance to wash away the dirt and sweat of the previous 3 days.  Come sunrise we were all up and about and made our way back up the mountain to spend the morning exploring the ruins and surroundings.  It was a hauntingly misty morning, and as we sat quietly amongst the ruins of Machu Picchu surrounded by the high green peaks waiting for the mist to clear, Rodrigo our guide played beautiful melodies on his wooden recorder.   

As he played the mists gradually lifted to reveal all in front of us, a tantalising glimpse at a time, until it lifted completely, which merely enhanced the magical aura and energy felt in such a special place.  Another steep and slightly scary climb up the adjacent peak of Wayna Picchu is more than rewarded with another breathtaking view.  I could so easily have sat there all day, but sadly reality interjected and I had to climb down from the heights of the city in the clouds and head for the train back to Cuzco, but still on a natural high of my own.