If you haven't been to Machu Picchu, you need to go. No, like, right now. I am not even kidding. It is expensive, but it is totally worth it!Bequis and I thought it sounded glamorous to hike for two continous days before going to one of the Seven Wonders of the World. I had thought I was in shape before the trip and I thought I was an outdoorsy kind of gal.....and then reality hit. After our hike, which was beautiful, I could barely walk, my muscles were so sore. I had people twice my age racing past me as I stumbled along slowly, climbing up and down Machu Picchu´s famous stairs. Next time we will do Machu Picchu first.
Even though 90% of what we know about Machu Picchu is speculation, it is interesting to see these famous ruins. Our guide had researched this and taught us that one hypothesis is that Machu Picchu was a school. Others think that it was a summer vacation home for the wealthy. There are a variety of theories there.
The neatest part for me was to see that the Inca had carved small replicas of the mountains that stood directly behind them in the background. They also have little ¨bookshelves¨carved into the stone walls, that could hold someone´s belongings, or a religous offering. Theories abound.
We met people from all over the world there, including Peru (imagine that), Australia, United States, China, Japan, Holland, Venezuela, Colombia, Argentina, Brazil, etc. It was fun just to people watch and to realize that I wasn´t the only one that looked like a tourist. ;)
After a beautiful day there, we took the PeruRail back to Ollantaytambo and then took a bus back to Cusco. The best part of the trip was the 25 minute shower I took with HOT WATER, after not showering during our trek. The hot water must have also helped my muscles relax, because they were fine after that.
The next day, we did some shopping in the markets of Cusco, enthralled with all the tourist stuff they sell there. Who wouldn.t love the crocheted finger puppets of different animals, including monkeys, llamas, snakes, and giraffes?
After grabbing an empanada to eat, we ran to the hostal and went to the airport, ready for our next adventure to begin in Lima.............
