The trip to Machu Picchu was the focal point of our trip to Peru. It’s a difficult place to visit, as it requires traveling from Cusco to the Sacred Valley, taking a train from the Sacred Valley to the town of Aguas Calientes, and then a bus bright and early in the morning to the UNESCO World Heritage site. Pictures follow the jump.
This is a picture of me looking at the ruins and Huayna Picchu before sunrise. The mountain most prominently featured in photos is Huayna Picchu, not Machu Picchu.
We brought chocolate covered coffee beans to wake us up. We sat for about an hour just taking it all in.
Here are the first sun beams shining over the surrounding mountains. The warmth of the rays was invigorating. An indigenous South American stood behind me in a sun salutation as the sun poured onto the mountain.
A moment which I will never forget.
We took a walk up the mountain of Machu Picchu. These are the surrounding mountains. I recommend this hike because it’s not too strenuous and not overpopulated with tourists.
E. took this photo of orchids and Huayna Picchu.
More snow covered mountains.
About eight to ten llamas wandered around the ruins. They appeared to be the lawn mowers. I fell in love with this long lashed baby.
This rabbit-like creature was sleeping standing up. Other tourists were not quite as excited about his appearance as I was.
Machu Picchu mountain and surrounding ruins. The site is amazingly well kept.
For tourists visiting Machu Picchu, at the time of this post, the tourist buses start transporting tourists from Aguas Calientes around 6:00 a.m. A lot of tourists get in line very early in order to arrive and walk up Huayna Picchu. The site operators only allow a certain number of hikers on Huayna Picchu. They accept 200 people at 7:00 a.m. and 200 at 10:00 a.m., so people line up early. Rather than getting in another line upon entrance, I suggest watching the sunrise opposite from Huayna Picchu (where you first enter the area). We found the sunrise to be one of the best experiences there.
I heartily recommend visiting Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley for those considering a trip to Peru.
12 Comments
June 12, 2009 at 8:20 pm
I want to go soooooooooooo bad!!!!!!!!!!Hopefully we’ll be there next month…hopefully I’ll be better enough that I’ll be able to hike and walk around and be active. That’s a lot of hopefullys.
June 13, 2009 at 2:27 am
I think it might be a vizcacha!
I might need to go again. Would that be wrong? I’d like to see it, not rush through it this time! Thanks for posting pictures, as always!
June 13, 2009 at 5:48 am
oo ahh is about all I can say looking at the pictures & that is one sweet looking baby.
June 13, 2009 at 10:04 am
LLAMAS!!!!!!! Ever since The Emperor’s New Groove I’m been a little obsessed!
June 13, 2009 at 12:56 pm
Oh, absolutely breath-taking…! I don’t even know what to say other than I’m awed and amazed by the beauty of this place, and how talented you are to capture it so well.
June 14, 2009 at 12:40 am
wow, these photos are incredibly beautiful. they took my breath away and brought a tear to my eye. that sunrise was unreal. thank you for sharing!
June 14, 2009 at 4:49 pm
Your photos are breathtaking! Seeing that sunrise must have been an unforgettable moment. Ugh, travel envy! lol
P.S. Love the furry critters.
June 15, 2009 at 3:26 am
Beautiful! What an amazing opportunity- thanks for sharing (as usual).
June 15, 2009 at 5:48 am
I am speechless – it’s all so beautiful, and so beautifully photographed. There is so much beauty in this crazy world, really.
And I just love that little squirrel/rabbit animal – so cute.
June 15, 2009 at 10:44 pm
What amazing pictures. It looks like such an incredible place to be and just absorb its beauty. Thanks for sharing.
June 19, 2009 at 6:11 pm
Glad you got to visit, and can’t wait to see the remaining photos. I, too, would like the critters along with the spectacular scenery!
June 21, 2009 at 11:33 pm
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