At this point, elevation 8924 ft, is the Sun Gate of Machu Picchu. There is a sign that tells you that you are leaving Machu PIcchu and not to go beyond. Perfect. This is where the Inca Trail enters the grounds and it's all downhill from there.
Inca Trail
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At this point, elevation 8924 ft, is the Sun Gate of Machu Picchu. There is a sign that tells you that you are leaving Machu PIcchu and not to go beyond. Perfect. This is where the Inca Trail enters the grounds and it's all downhill from there. |
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Here was my plan. I had a ticket for the Machu Picchu Mtn, but really wanted to walk at least for a couple of hours on the Inca Trail. A little tree-covered peak was not that important. I've been to others. The morning started with rain clouds all around and no sun to speak of. That gave me even more reason to go to the Inca trail first. I figured that by the time I return to Machu Picchu, 2-3 hours later, the mist might clear. As you will see later, I was totally correct in my assumption. I was thinking, if the trail is all downhill from Machu Picchu, there will be hell to pay, climbing all the way back up. Yup. It's a chore. Also, for those hours there was not a single human being anywhere ahead or behind me. I was totally alone on the Trail. So down I went, first a little, a few stair steps, and then a lot more, and I was committed. |
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Way down below, the hydroelectric plant that powers Machu Picchu and Aguas Caliente. There's also the track for the Peru Rail trains. |
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To think, this is where the messengers between Inca cities and villages would run. |
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I just loved it out here and wished that I had made the multi-day trip that lets you off the train one stop before Aguas Caliente so that you can hike the trail for a day, alas, that would have meant carrying the my luggage the whole way. On the other hand, and I would have to look into that, they may have luggage storage at Aguas Caliente. |
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It definitely had its ups and downs |
An Inca way station and I decided to make that my lunch spot and turn-around point |
3D