This morning began when the alarm rang at 3:15. A 10 minute cab ride. A 70 minute van ride. A 90 minute train ride. A 30 minute bus ride. Then I got to Machu Picchu.
The elevation in Cusco is 11,023 feet above sea level. The drive to Machu Picchu actually drops in elevation to 7900 feet above sea level. To compare with home, Provo is at 4512 Feest above sea level. People usually suffer altitude sickness. I only had a minor head ache on Sunday evening. But at no other time did I feel sick, but I did take it easy while in Cusco.
Machu Picchu was brought to the world's attention in 1911 by American Hiram Bingham. They are celebrating the 100th anniversary this year. Check out the Wikipedia entry at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Machu_Picchu for more information about this amazing place.
Enjoy the photos, although being there can't compare with the picures!
This is "classic" Machu Picchu.
Huaynapicchu in the background. I climbed to the top. Check out the Wikipedia entry at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Huayna_Picchu. At the gate, the sign said it would take an hour to get to the top. It took me 35 minutes. I passed 14 people and no one passed me!
The view from he top was well worth the climb up!
There are a lot of stairs to climb at Machu Picchu. I got a good workout today!
Llamas roam wide at Machu Picchu.
An Inkan archway view of Huaynapicchu.