Friday, March 7
The sunrise at Machu Picchu is myth promoted by tour
companies and the Lonely Planet
travel guide, as nearly every morning of the year the place is socked in with
clouds and rain. We got up early and
verified, that indeed, a clear sunny morning at Machu Picchu is elusive.
But it was still worth it. We climbed countless steps to the Sun Gate at
the top of the ridge overlooking the complex, every now and then getting
30-second glimpses of this magical mystical place.
We had one of our best meals ever at lunch in Machu Picchu
Town (former Agua Caliente, which is accessible only by a narrow gage railway
or by a four day trek over two 12,000 passes.
More about food later, but let’s just say that the food here is diverse
and delicious.
We took train for two hours out of the Sacred Valley, then a
stunning two-hour bus ride to Cusco through a 12,000 foot plateau through one
of the most beautiful places we have ever been.
Cusco, population 500,000 at an elevation of 11,500 is a fascinating
city. After checking into our hotel
which was formerly a huge hacienda from colonial times, we found a fantastic
Peruvian restaurant on a long narrow alley for yet another memorable meal. All and all, a very special and magical day.
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