We've now traveled a bit around the world and have climbed our share of ancient steps...but nothing compares or prepared us for the boundless number of steps one encounters in the exploration of the Incas. Vast trails around and through the mountains are lined with perfectly crafted stone treads that mostly lead straight up or straight down! Of course the terrain of the Andes dictated some of this but this people group must have had a great sense of balance and no fear of heights...
The weather in the area of the ruins is highly unpredictable. The locals have a saying: "If you don't like the weather here, wait 10 minutes and it will change." We were fortunate to have an entire day that was clear, warm and without rain so that we could hike the whole of Machu Picchu. We climbed the highest peak (via the long way), and the smaller one next to it, trekked to the bridge and finally back up to the Sun Gate... just over 13 miles...yes, a half-marathon...
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| We learned that there are no spelling rules in the Quechua language as it a phonetic based language, so there are many ways to spell the same word... For instance, Huayna Picchu and Waynapicchu are the same mountain- the tallest peak at MP |
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| A view of the Temple of Three Windows and the city looking out to Huayna Picchu |
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| Our first hike of the day- Only 400 people per day are allowed to climb the mountain so you must reserve in advance and be there early (we woke at 5:00 for breakfast) to sign in. |
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| This is just a small portion of the trail and I think the only section that had any kind of safety rope/rail- notice the steep climb and the sheer drop off! This was a day of "facing your fear" for this mom... |
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| It was mind-boggling to try and imagine how they hauled all this stone UP and placed these steps along the mountain- |
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| Two roads diverged in a wood and... we took the one less traveled by... Veering to the left was a LONG CUT to the summit (an additional HOUR hike) to the Moon Temple |
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| This photo does not do justice to the angle of the ladder... trust me that it was nearly perpendicular to the ground and Ivan's right foot is on the edge of the ledge of the path- |
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| The Moon Temple- complete with niches for mummified relatives and... |
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| ...a view of the moon... even during the day! |
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| SUMMIT! The city lies in the lower right corner of this photo |
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| At the top of Huayna Picchu with a view of the flying Condor shaped city- *From this peak the bird is upside down, to view it right side up you must climb the opposite peak- Machu Picchu* |
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| An artist's rendition to help with visualization... |
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| ...right side up & flying- Pretty amazing! |
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| Going down was much harder for me- physically and psychologically! |
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| On all of our trips, Matt has shouldered the backpack of supplies. Our oldest was a small boy of only 8 years when we started traveling but now at age12, he is ready to begin to shoulder the responsibilities of a young man. |
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| THE PASSING OF THE BACKPACK |
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| (...sniff, sniff...from mom) |
Our second climb of the day was the smaller peak, Huchuy Picchu, dubbed "baby picchu" by most. It was shorter but still just as scary for me.
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| See this ledge! Ack!! I could barely sit there for the photo- I needed to get DOWN. |
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| And down we did go- This view of the mountain from the ground and behind us was a relief. |
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| This bridge allowed the runners and tradesmen to trek to the rainforest lands below. When the wooden planks stretching across the gap in the ledge were removed, there was absolutely no access to the sacred city from this approach . |
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| Half-marathon- DONE! |
We left the boys to their reading and he and I headed UP once again- this time we made our way to the Sun Gate.
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| Looking closely you can spot a narrow trail (just above & to the right of my hat) coursing up the mountain It takes about an hour to reach the gate. |
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| View from the Sun Gate at dusk- During the reign of the Incas, this was the main and only other entrance (besides the bridge) into the city. Imagine the view for those 15th century travelers finally arriving into the bustling sacred city with its food rich terraces and golden inlaid temples... |
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