Retired Nomads - Part 2 : Machu Picchu, Peru - Day 2

Machu Picchu - Day 2 to Cusco

Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu mountain are two mountains on opposite sides of the Machu Picchu archeological site. Huayna Picchu is the tall peak you see in most photos of Machu Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain is located at the opposite end of the site.

This morning we were up way before dawn to be amongst the first people to get in line to get our stamp so we could climb Huayna Picchu. Backpackers had hiked most of the night and several days prior to get there and were first in line. What a rowdy smelly bunch! They allow 200 people to climb at 7 and 200 more at 10:00 We wanted 10:00 so we could see the sunrise over MP and then get breakfast and check out of the hotel before doing the climb. We got our stamp so we were set. Off to the guard's house to view the sunrise. Well, tooooo many clouds and it was sprinkling on and off all day. So, no pretty sunrise for us! We walked back to the hotel and grabbed a wonderful breakfast so we would be fueled for the hike ahead.

We had some time to kill so we walked the gardens around the hotel. There were lots of lovely plants and hummingbirds.

Then it was off to do the climb. It takes about 3 hours round trip. (more or less of course depending on abilities) It was steep but there were switchbacks most of the way. There were some areas where you needed to hang on with your hands as well as your climbing. Lots of young people and of few of us old farts. All were out of breath! The view from the top was worth it. It’s the view you see when you see a postcard of MP. AMAZING! It sprinkled on us and even rained for a short while.

Tired and out of time we headed for our last lunch at the Sanctuary Hotel. It seemed ironic to be in a 5 star hotel in hiking clothes. The food and service was superb.

We got on the bus to take us back to the train station. Another beautiful ride on the train. They did a fashion show of local clothes (alpaca mostly) and served lunch which we were too full to enjoy. Normally, the train takes you all the way to Cusco, but because of the rainy season and mud slides, that couldn’t be done, so they take you back to Ollantaytambo to catch a bus for the 2.5 hours to the city. That got us in about 8 at night and we were met by our driver and guide to take us to Casa San Blas Boutique Hotel for 3 nights. We checked in and wandered around to find a place for dinner. Greg was again not feeling well with the weird stomach thing. We found a great place for Tapas, but Greg really wasn't up to eating.