Day 12 - Time to Machu Picchu

To summarize this entire day is impossible. Out of 350 Machu Picchu pictures, here's what I'll give tonight. I'm sitting here trying to figure out how to paint a complete picture of today's Sabbath with one of the world's Seven Wonders. Don't worry, you'll probably find me soon and I'll show you more pictures. I know I missed some important shots, so please forgive my scattered images. 

Maybe the pictures will tell today better than words. I will say this: 

We had great weather. We had the chance to see all the angles and amazing views of Machu Picchu. Our tour was lead by Magali (Maggy) again, who did an excellent job of taking us through places efficiently in the midst of all the other tour groups. We learned a lot from her, and I'm glad we had her for our group. I got the chance to hike to the Sun Gate afterwards, where I got to witness Machu Picchu from the most magnificent views I could ever have imagined. My friend Colton and I trekked up and down a rugged rocky path and stairs for an hour and a half to see Machu Picchu from a great distance, and it was worth the stress on our poor lazy legs and pained feet. 

Many, many pictures later, a bus ride back to our Aqua Caliente hotel, pizza lunch, and a train trip back to Cusco, we are exhausted with huge smiles on our faces. I wish I had time to go into more detail about the temples, agricultural areas, buildings specifically made for astronomy, specially designed bricks of the buildings, maternity rooms, bathrooms, bright green plants, and all the llamas and alpacas. The important part is that it truly is a breathtaking experiences. So many once-in-a-lifetime experiences on this trip, and Machu Picchu lived up to its hype. 

We checked back in to our hotel, ate, and walked around Cusco once more, but that doesn't really matter at this point. :) We'll spend the day in the city tomorrow, and that will be that. I'm missing home, but I can wait another couple days.