2013 Nov. Huayna Picchu. Aguas Calientes.
After 4 days of trekking and camping without proper toilet and bathroom, being able to take a shower in the hotel finally in Aguas Calientes was such a welcomed luxury. Never felt so clean and refreshed, after being marinated in sweat and rain, infused with local wild herbs and sun-baked for 4 days. We had a happy celebration lunch with our wonderful guides and the bunch of awesome people who made the Inca Trail trek so fun and memorable.
The following morning, we returned to Machu Picchu at 6am to take in the sights once again, and to climb Huayna Picchu at 7am, which required a special permit arranged well in advance.
Huayna Picchu is the mountain towering behind the actual site of Machu Picchu. From a distance the mountain looks steep and daunting to climb but it is quite possible for all reasonably fit visitors. The climb itself is interesting as you will see how the Incas cut steps out of the rocks, and as you wind around the sides of the mountain, you will see Machu Picchu from different angles. Stone steps are laid along most of the path, and in the steeper sections steel cables provided a supporting handrail. You will need a specific, more expensive ticket to climb this trail. Only 400 people allowed per day, split into two groups of 200 which enter at 7am and 10am.
That was the end of our exciting and memorable 4-day classic Inca Trail trek to Machu Picchu, and an extra day to explore Huayna Picchu. After this, Amazon rainforest, here we come!
… to be continued …
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