Walking from one end of the plaza to the other (which takes about 3 minutes) you will undoughtedly be offered a library of various intoxicating substances by at least 3 or 4 different guys. One guy I met chatted to me in great detail about the cheapest way to get to Machu Picchu via busses and hiking and then slowly progressed onto taking me back to his flat- I swiftly moved on!!
After following up on his advice I found it just wasn’t possible for what I wanted to do. Instead I go the less adventurous route and take the train to the ancient city.
Located at 2350m, perched on the eastern slopes of the Vilcanota mountain range, there resides Machu Picchu- the last Inca city. Founded almost 100 years ago in 1911 by Hiram Bingham, covered in 300 year old trees that took around 5 years to clear and unearth the city, however ónly´ 70% is excavated there still resides another 30% of the city under foliage awaiting future archeoligists (you go Ve!!!).
Ok so after getting up pretty damn early I catch my ride to the train station and find my seat on the coach. The train starts off with a huge jolt as though another train has just gone into the back of it then starts running smoothly, then it stops and starts going backwards! On investigation I find out that the train runs on a zig-zagging line up and over Cusco, so many a time of stopping going forwards then backwards about 5-6 times until we get out of the valley. 3 hours of riding through caves, past rapid rivers, and alongside intimidating mountain ranges we arrive at our destination Machu Picchu village. A swarm of tourists trying to find there guides awaits at the station, and onto a 15 minute bus ride to get to the entrance of Machu Picchu.
I join my group of happy Gilmore tourists and enjoy a 1 hour tour of the city having explanations of the different temples, tiers, and living quarters etc. Really interesting history and a cool guide as well. Afterwards, we were given free time to just wander around at our own leisure until the arrival of the last train. This I really enjoyed just sitting on a ledge with like 2000m of air dangling below, contemplating this mighty Inca city, trying to block out all the screams and crys of neighbouring people.
You may have got the feeling this entry is not as enthusiastic as some previous and that’s because I just wasn’t as amazed with Machu Picchu as what I thought I would have been (maybe im the only one). Don’t get me wrong I recommend a visit but for me I feel the magic of this place has disappeared in time. I think my opinion may well be different if the inca trail or another trek was completed beforehand, this I still would love to do.
But anyway still an unforgettable experience, as always lovin it!!
Much love and peace…..
tom
Cusco, looks nice eh?
On the way to the city.
This photo needs Mr Bowie.
The lower tier, home of the less noble.
the Sacred rock, carved into the shape of the mountain range behind.
Wanapicchu. (on the right)
Yea yea
only 30% left to go, come on guys whats the hold up?
Once upon a time many of these trees resided here.
MACHU PICCHU!!
1 comment:
AH I'm well jealous! I'd love to visit somewhere like that.
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