Explore Machu Picchu with BAI Dispatch

September 28, 2016 – Climbing Wayna Picchu and Returning to Cusco

Yesterday we walked through Machu Picchu very early in the morning. This was the biggest advantage of staying at the Sanctuary Lodge. It allowed us to visit the ruins before the crowds arrived by bus from Aguas Calientes.

One of our goals was to hike Wayna Picchu, rising over Machu Picchu, at 8,750ft (2,667m).

According to the legends, the top of the mountain was the residence of the high priest and the local virgins. Every morning before sunrise, the high priest with a small group would walk to Machu Picchu to signal the coming of the new day.

The number of daily visitors allowed to climb Wayna Picchu is restricted to 400. We had to purchase tickets in advance in order to guarantee admission. A steep and exposed climb leads to the summit. Our team made it to the summit in great time and soon we were back at the Sanctuary Lodge for lunch.

After lunch we returned to Cusco by train and were later transferred to our hotel, Monasterio, a unique architectural treasure built on Inca foundations. It combines the majesty of a colonial monastery with the luxury, elegance and comfort of a five-star hotel.

Today our plan was to explore Cusco. We left with Maria, our tour guide, right after breakfast. Our first stop was the ruins of Sacsayhuaman, a testament to Incan architec¬tural skill. Compiled of massive stones, the largest of which may weigh as much as 200 tons, the walls were cut and placed together with incredible preci¬sion and without a single drop of mortar to hold them in place. This ancient fortress, which witnessed the greatest battle between the Spanish and the Incas, overlooks the red-tiled roofs of Cusco.

We are all back at the Hotel Monasterio and will be leaving soon for dinner to commemorate Chuck’s birthday.