We arrived in Águas Calientes, a city that supports those who visit Machu Picchu, very late, like after midnight. But our hotel’s promise that someone would pick us up was fulfilled. As soon as the train got off (exclusively for tourists), there were several hotel staff members with signs waiting for their guests – this is quite common.
During the climb to the hotel, in the middle of the night, we were able to take a look at the city. We didn’t see any residents’ houses, just a series of restaurants, hotels and little shops. The place is a practically obligatory stop for anyone who wants to visit Machu Picchu: it is about 6 km from the ruins and it is from there that buses leave daily, starting at 5:30 in the morning. You can also walk up the mountain. But don’t count on me to tell you what this experience is like.
Anyway, we arrived early in the morning and woke up early, around 5am. People generally wake up even earlier to catch the first bus. We arrived at Machu Picchu around 7 am. Unfortunately, there was fog everywhere and visibility only improved around 9am. So it was no use waking up early, because we couldn’t see much beforehand.
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Machu Picchu
I don’t know about you, but visiting Machu Picchu (or Old Mountain) was a dream for all of us on this blog. They are the most famous ruins in Latin America, located in the Andes Mountains, 2500 meters high. The site was discovered in 1911, has 30% original buildings and the rest are (perfect) restorations. Everything was built around 1450 and abandoned about 100 years later due to the Spanish conquest. The Spanish never made any records about these ruins, which leads us to believe that they did not know they were there. As for why it exists, I prefer to leave it to historians and scientists, who do not have a conclusion about local history.
What is known is that Machu Picchu was a town, with an agricultural area, temples to the Sun and other elements, houses, streets, squares, etc. There it is possible to see all the advancement of the Incas in relation to Architecture, agriculture, and astronomy, among others.
The tour through Machu Picchu
Walking through the ruins requires some physical preparation, after all there are many climbs and the air is rarefied. But if I could do it, I think a good part of the population aged 10 to 60, without a broken leg, would do it just fine. We hired a guide right at the entrance to accompany us for a few hours, show us the most important points and tell us the stories of the place. Unfortunately, the guide we hired was a jerk and gave the information in a rush, in addition to not showing us all the places. Fail.
Machu Picchu has an agricultural area and an urban area. In the first, level terraces take over the space, some circular and others straight.
The urban area is divided between the upper sector (hanan) and the lower sector (hurin). Between these sectors is a long square. The sacred area, with the Temple of the Sun and the royal residences, is in the upper part. The sacred rock and the group of three doors are in the lower part.
Young Picchu
After visiting most of Machu Picchu we had an appointment at 10am. It was the climb to the mountain Wayna Picchu or Huayna Picchu (“New Mountain”), which we bought with the ticket. You can choose to climb this mountain when you buy the ticket, only 400 people can take this tour per day, in two shifts, 7am and 10am.
When I looked at Wayna Picchu from below, I despaired, because I was sure I wouldn’t make it. But I’m glad I stayed in line and went. The climb is indeed steep, but with the help of steps and steel cables, it is not impossible. The average time for the climb is one hour. I managed to do it in about 50 minutes – which is a complete test that isn’t that difficult, you know? Do you need more encouragement? Well, it’s true that a lovely English couple, both in their 70s, went up with me. And it was the fourth time they had visited.
From the top of Wayna Picchu, on the simplest route, you can have a great view of Machu Picchu. Those who are more adventurous can go all the way around the mountain and see the Temple of the Moon. It was too much for me.
The comeback
After going down, we walked around the ruins a little more. We left there around 3pm (it closes at 5pm). If you’re wondering how we did it with food, know that it’s not easy. It is not permitted to enter the ruins area with food – only water. So, you can leave a snack at the entrance, in a luggage locker. Or eat at the snack bar there.
One last tip before leaving Machu Picchu: right at the entrance, in a corner, there is a stamp with which you can stamp your passport proving that you were at the Inca ruins. It’s free, and of course I secured mine!
Once again in Aguas Calientes, we took a shower at the hotel and curled up there (although we had already done check out early) before catching the train back to Cuzco at 9pm. Most people, however, go straight to the hot waters that give the city its name: relaxing pools in a thermal resort. We were very slow and forgot to bring swimwear because we left our big suitcases in Cuzco. Anyway, I hope you’re smarter than us. Furthermore, those who have a little more time and energy in Aguas Calientes can stroll through the city’s craft fair or enjoy one of the many restaurants or bars.
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