Some of the group wakes up very early for the first bus up the mountain to catch the sunrise at Machu Picchu. Some stay behind for a bus at 9 AM up to the site and some just stay to enjoy the hotel in this semi-tropical setting. We are now in a cloud forest in the "eyebrow" of the Amazon watershed. The hotel has orchids and birds and a hot spring!
The early group hiked the "Inca Road" up above Machu Picchu and some intrepid souls climbed the mountain next to Machu Picchu called Huayna Picchu. Walter & Lynne read a poem about Machu Picchu from a Spanish poet, while up in the ruins. We all re-grouped at the hotel for lunch.
We then boarded the 2PM train for Ollantaytambo. This is another Inca ruin and the site of the Inca's successful stand off with the Spanish. There is more incredible Inca architecture here. We also toured the home of one local family and we learned about the keeping of Guinea Pigs, or Cuy. So far no one has eaten any Cuy, but we are working up to it. Then by bus to the town of Yukay and the beautiful Posada del Inca Hotel. (Richard Esparza)
HUAYNA PICCHU, SOME OF OUR GROUP ARE ON THIS PEAK AT THE TIME OF THE PHOTO, SEE IF YOU CAN PICK THEM OUT.
