Machu Picchu

I'm about 99.2% sure that I speak for Koby, Kaye, Enrique, and myself when I say that climbing Machu Picchu Montana was one of the most difficult thing we have ever done. We woke up at 4AM to get ready/packed up and enjoy our free breakfast at Gringo Bill's before we headed for the buses. After breakfast we headed out to wait for the buses that start heading to MP at 5:30AM. We thought we were ahead of the game... nope! We had to wait about 45 minutes for a shuttle bus!

We got through the gates at MP at 7:57AM and headed for Montana Mountain. It was already starting to get warm, even though it's almost winter here. Holy guacamole, the hike is no joke. I mean, we were already out of breath before we reached the check in gate for MP Montana.. It's labeled "moderate", but in my opinion I would say it is difficult in intensity and moderate in skill. We got about half way up and we're really contemplating turning around because none of us were dressed for that. All in jeans and t-shirts; none of us thought we would be climbing a 10,050 foot mountain that morning. It took us about 2 hours to climb to the top. The views were "literally breathtaking" (good one, Kaye!). But really, I can't think of a word other than amazing. We were so high up, any mis-step close to the edge could be the end of us (dramatic but true)! We were level with the tops of majestic mountains and al out touching clouds, insane!

Then we started our descent, which was rough on the knees and took about 45 minutes. We then explored Machu Picchu and spent a good amount of time playing with the llamas. MP is incredible, and you're surrounded by these huge, green mountains; it's magical. I'm sure you've seen pictures, but it's honestly one of those things you have to see to believe.

We waited in line for a shuttle down, totally beat/sweaty/dirty, for about 45 minutes, then arrived in Aguas Calientes once again about 30 minutes later. We headed straight for a restaurant for pizza and beer, so needed- so satisfying.