The Incas must have been insane. Or maybe just terribly pompous. We headed west out of Cusco early morning, through the highland farms deeper into the lush, green mountains of the Eastern Andes. Far off in the distance snowcapped mountains peeked out in sharp contrast to those around us, which grew like late afternoon shadows. The drive involved thousands of meters of altitude change as we climbed to 4000m before descending into the pseudo-jungle valley. The road is compact dirt, etched into a cliff side, and was responsible for some of the scariest moments in my life.
We reached Hidroelectrico, literally a small village named after the nearby dam, around 2pm. From there one can take a short train to Aguas Calientes, the launch pad for Machu Picchu, or, as we did, take a leisurely two hour walk along the river and through the woods. Towers of stone line the river, coated with thick growth. The plants grow big here, and they grow everywhere. Seems like keeping the train running is a rough job.
Aguas Calientes is a small village in the valley below Machu Picchu filled with touristy goodness. Excellent food and accommodations are available to take advantage of before the journey up the mountain. We managed to find good pizza again, This time really good. Blew my mind. I also found these kids, who were joyously whipping each other in the street as part of an old tradition.
The journey up to what is believed to have been a royal retreat for the late Incas normally starts early in the morning and can be a two hour walk or a much shorter bus ride. In order to get up there early we chose the bus. Thirty leisurely minutes of dirt road switchbacks later, we finally reached the famed mountain of the Incas. Harsh rock and thick, dark flora are suddenly broken and replaced by intricately carved stone and bright green terraces. The limited views of the valley open up to unveil a vast expanse of crazy to build on mountains. It's a beautiful place built by a people whose culture was mysterious and vast. Whose empire spanned enormous stretches of land in more enormously inhospitable environments. It's green, yes, but who in their right mind would build here?
Finally! Apologies for the delay - the time following this trip included two very busy weeks behind a bar and two pathetically lazy weeks back in Lima. Next stop will likely be Florida, so this may be the end, but it may not be. I'll update accordingly.
