Machu Picchu was recently voted as one of the new 7 wonders of the world, something which I can def confirm- absolutely stunning! I have to admit that I generally haven´t gotten massively excited about Inka ruins but this was something different. The location of Machu Picchu is what makes it so breathtaking, perched atop a hill in amongst tropical forest, very mystical and magical.
When we initially arrived at the top we had a brief view of the ruins without the crowds but it soon clouded over so that we were unable to see beyond te closest buildings. After an interesting tour and warm tea we were so pleased to glimpse a bit of blue sky and the surrounding mountains. I quickly rushed to climb Waynupicchu (the hill behind Machu Picchu) as only a certain number of people can climb it each day. By the tme I reached the top I had views of the whole of the sight and the surrounding scenery.
What made seeing Machu Picchu even more special though, was having walked for 4 days to get there and then run up 1600 steps that mornign to beat the buses! The trek started in a small town in the mountains and lasted 4 days. There were 12 of us, a really nice group. The 1st two days were long and hard and took us through mountain scenery, past glaciers and through spectacular valleys, passing our highest point (4600m) at lunchtime on the second day. The next two days were completely different as we made our way through tropical forest, enjoying hot springs on the way before reaching Aguas Caliente (a small town at the base of Machu Picchu) at the end of the 4th day.
Certainly one of the highlights of the trip and something I will never forget.
