Machu Picchu, Peru - Day 79

Our first stop in Peru was the city of Cusco, which is the gateway to Machu Picchu. We spent a day planning how to visit Machu Picchu in the most inexpensive way possible. Normally, it costs at least $250 to visit Machu Picchu. We were able to do it for under $100. We took a 6hr bus ride on a spectacular and windy mountainous road from Cusco to a town called Santa Maria. From there, we took a one and a half hour taxi ride to a set of train tracks, and then walked for 7.5 miles along the tracks to the town of Aguas Calientes, which took an additional 2 hours; making it a 10 hour long journey. The next morning we woke up extra early to hike up to the ruins instead of taking a bus and chose to not hire a guide but to tour the sight ourselves.

Unfortunately, it was very rainy...

The only picture we took in Cusco, because it rained the whole time.

The town of Aguas Calientes with the raging river running through.

Rainy but still beautiful at the top. Bella modeling her new raincoat, because the old one stopped working.

Agricultural terraces

They had a pretty nice view from up here.

This is the only round building at Machu Picchu, which showcases the magnificent stonework. The top layers indicate that it was still under construction.

How the hell did they move and lift these huge boulders?!

Because of the wear-and-tear due to all of the tourists, (up to 2,500 people visit per day) Machu Picchu slips down the mountainside 1cm per month, causing many structures to fall apart!

Water pools and channels run all throughout Machu Picchu.

We paid extra to hike up neighboring Cerro Machu Picchu. It was the most difficult hike we have EVER done! We climbed 2,000 ft of steep Inca stairs in less than a mile. Machu Picchu can be seen below.

Postcard picture of Machu Picchu.

Our walk back on the train tracks. Machu Picchu can be seen nestled in the saddle between the two peaks; the peak on the right is Cerro Machu Picchu.