Day 404 - From Machu Picchu to Cusco
Machu Picchu
Our 6th day on our Choquequirao/Machu Picchu journey we awoke to take a bus to the famous palace. (See video.) Unlike Choquequirao, long lines awaited us — one bus after another. Millions visit here annually. Above us lay the mountain of Machu Picchu, enshrouded in mist. Once on the grounds we could see nothing and I worried we’d be unable to share this stunning place. But slowly the clouds disappeared and like a show the citadel revealed itself. The location is so dramatic because the palace sits immediately beside three high mountains and a deep ravine created by the Urubamba river far below.
Aquas Caliente
After exploring Machu Picchu we strolled through the picturesque and compact town of Aquas Calientes (note the sculpture indicating the three animals central Incan culture: the snake, the puma and condor. In late afternoon we boarded the train to make our way to Cusco along high mountains of the Urubamba River valley. (See video.) Quite a view.
Return to Cusco
After Machu Picchu, we took a couple of days to reorganize and recuperate. I found a local market and grabbed some food for me and Cyn (she was at the hotel). Big bowls of delicious chicken soup. I loved the vibrancy of the market. Later I took these pictures of two Cathedrals in the Cusco town square. They sit right next to one another and were built 600 years ago by the Spanish invaders who used the stone after dismantling Incan temples.
Recommendations
If you’re making the trip to Peru, consider these recommendations to make the most of your adventure.
“Occupying a whole block and guarded by imposing high walls, it is one of the most fascinating religious buildings in Peru. Nor is it just a religious building – the 20,000-sq-meter complex is almost a citadel within the city. It was founded in 1580 by a rich widow, doña María de Guzmán.”