The alarm got us out of bed at 4:00 am. We had breakfast at 5:00, checked out of our hotel, and walking down the steep cobbled streets to the bus terminal in the early morning light. Sunrise is late here because the mountains are so tall. Nevertheless, we board the busses about 6:00 am, ride for 25 minutes up a one way, winding road on the sides of the steep mountains to ascend to the base gate of Machu Picchu.
There is a sign here that says Machu Picchu 1450-1540. This is UNESCO World Heritage Site and definitely one of the wonders of the world. This is not an ancient site, but one built at the same time as Europe was in the medieval period and sending explorers across the seas. Machu Picchu was not built for commoners but for the royal nobility of the Son of the Sun King, chiefs, and administrative staff.
There is a sign here that says Machu Picchu 1450-1540. This is UNESCO World Heritage Site and definitely one of the wonders of the world. This is not an ancient site, but one built at the same time as Europe was in the medieval period and sending explorers across the seas. Machu Picchu was not built for commoners but for the royal nobility of the Son of the Sun King, chiefs, and administrative staff.
Once inside the gate, we ascend up a steep trail and steps to the first sunrise lookout.
Just as we arrive, the sun begins to peak over the mountain in the east and a golden light begins to shine on the ruins of Machu Picchu.
It is evident why the Inca sun worshippers have chosen this place as the site for their holy temple, solstice and equinox ceremonies. This was a giant conference center.
Just as we arrive, the sun begins to peak over the mountain in the east and a golden light begins to shine on the ruins of Machu Picchu.
It is evident why the Inca sun worshippers have chosen this place as the site for their holy temple, solstice and equinox ceremonies. This was a giant conference center.
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| Our Intrepid Group Makes It to Machu Picchu! |
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| The Sun Temple |
The greats only came for short stays and did not reside here. While being built over 10,000 common people worked on the site by day to build walls, houses, terrces, and paths, farm, carve, clear rocks, But they lived in the valleys below. This was made by them but not for them. Only 300 people were residents of this retreat, and they were servant caretakers.
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| Water line |
As the sun rises, the beauty of Machu Picchu unfolds. We are fortunate to be here on a clear day. For the last week, Machu Picchu has been shrouded in clouds and rain. But today, the Sacred Center is in its full glory as the sun rises. Windows face east to capture the morning sun. Prominent stones in strategic locations, cast shadows for telling time and season, solstices, and equinox. There are reflective mirrors made from still water to observe the stars, and to capture the glow of sun on seasonal celebration days.
We have a guide, Patrick Manuel, who explains all of this to us. He is quite a dramatic character, rolling his R's with such gusto that his spittle glistens in the morning light. He claims to be a great, great, great.....grandson of the Son of the Sun, King.
He relishes the magic and the secrets of Machu Picchu and shares them with us. We wonder through out the complex. By 10:00 am, the sun is high in the sky, the complex is filling with people, and it is very warm at 8,000 feet. The shade of the rock walls is growing narrower and becoming more difficult to find. Without the original roofing, there is little shade.
He relishes the magic and the secrets of Machu Picchu and shares them with us. We wonder through out the complex. By 10:00 am, the sun is high in the sky, the complex is filling with people, and it is very warm at 8,000 feet. The shade of the rock walls is growing narrower and becoming more difficult to find. Without the original roofing, there is little shade.
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| Temple of the Condor - Sacred Bird. Striated Vertical Rocks represent His Wings in Flight. |
Russ and I hang around awhile after the tour on our own, but the magic of the sunrise and the long shadows have vanished, and we decide it is time to descend back to Aqua Calientes. We return to our hotel, relax, download photos for editing, have lunch, and head to the train station for our return to Ollantaytambo. The train rattles and rolls down the hill. After and hour and a half, we disembark, climb on a bus and head to Cusco for another 2 hours.
We arrive just as I am finishing this blog 6:30 pm. It's been a fabulous day, and we can check off another world wonder from the bucket list!
All is Well With the Worrall Travel R's To Machu Picchu and Back To Cusco.
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