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Machu Picchu Peru South America – We Made It!

After four days of hiking the Inca Trail, we arrived at our destination: Machu Picchu!  We had an early morning hike to the sungate, where we got our first glimpse of the ruins.

The final section of the trail was from Huinay Huayna to Intipunku. We woke up at 5 AM and waited for the gate to open.  The majority of the hike was easy except for a small portion of stairs where you’re on hands and knees. We liked calling that portion the monkey stairs.  We didn’t take many photos on the last day, just because we were in a rush to get done.  Once we arrived to the area that was overlooking Machu Picchu, we could take a breather.  We were so happy to be finally looking upon our finish line!

Day 3 of 4-day hike to Machu Picchu | Entering Machu Picchu | Intipunku | Travel Peru PhotographerPin

It was a great spot for photos and time lapses while we waited for the sun to come over the horizon.  Afterwards we trekked for another hour to enter the actual ruins.  Upon arrival, we quickly realized how many people were there!  There are approximately 2000 people visiting everyday.  Most of them had come by train or bus.  We were grateful that through hiking the Inca Trail, we had an intimate look at many of the other ruins without the crowds.

Total Hike in 4 Days: 26.69 miles (42.95 km) in 23 hours
Machu Picchu Elevation: 7,972 ft (2,430 m)

DAY 4 OF THE INCA TRAIL: WIÑAY HUAYNA – MACHU PICCHU

Distance: 2.48 miles / 4km
Estimated time: 2 hours
Maximum altitude: 8,923 feet / 2,720m
What you see: Intipunku (“the Sun Gate”), Machu Picchu

At Machu Picchu we were able to have a bathroom break, purchase a very expensive beverage, take the tour, and then do some exploring of our own.  We thought the hiking portion was done, but we were mistaken.  It was another hour and a half of going up and down stairs throughout Machu Picchu.  Good thing we were conditioned for the exercise!

The view from the Sun gate (Intipunku):

Intipunku Sun Gate Machu Picchu.Pin

We spotted a rufous-collared sparrow.

Pictures of Machu PicchuPin

Lots of foot traffic

Pictures of Machu PicchuPin

Apparently the flower to the right is like LSD times a hundred. Willy, our tour guide, was telling us how people who took it would go temporarily blind.

Pictures of Machu PicchuPin

Our group. Go Team Info Cusco!

Entering Machu Picchu | Day 4 of 4-day Inca Trail hike to Machu Picchu | Travel Peru PhotographerPin

So this is what cocaine comes from….

Entering Machu Picchu | Day 4 of 4-day Inca Trail hike to Machu Picchu | Travel Peru PhotographerPin
Entering Machu Picchu | Day 4 of 4-day Inca Trail hike to Machu Picchu | Travel Peru PhotographerPin

The stones are Machu Picchu are so precisely cut that even a credit card can’t fit between them.

Entering Machu Picchu | Day 4 of 4-day Inca Trail hike to Machu Picchu | Travel Peru PhotographerPin

A natural seat and a comfortable one too!

Entering Machu Picchu | Day 4 of 4-day Inca Trail hike to Machu Picchu | Travel Peru PhotographerPin

Can you see a face?

Entering Machu Picchu | Day 4 of 4-day Inca Trail hike to Machu Picchu | Travel Peru PhotographerPin
Entering Machu Picchu | Day 4 of 4-day Inca Trail hike to Machu Picchu | Travel Peru PhotographerPin

We were lucky to see a local rodent called the Viscachas, which mysteriously arrived in South America around 45 million yrs ago while the continent was isolated. With the rainbow behind it, it looks like the peruvian nyan-cat!

Entering Machu Picchu | Day 4 of 4-day Inca Trail hike to Machu Picchu | Travel Peru PhotographerPin

Rock formation representing the landscape behind it.

Entering Machu Picchu | Day 4 of 4-day Inca Trail hike to Machu Picchu | Travel Peru PhotographerPin
Entering Machu Picchu | Day 4 of 4-day Inca Trail hike to Machu Picchu | Travel Peru PhotographerPin
Pictures of Machu Picchu Peru South America.Pin

Thank you Peru for all the good times and beautiful mountains!

Where shall we go next?
Is Machu Picchu on your bucket list?

xoxo estherJacob

This Post Has 6 Comments

  1. Jen@WanderOneDay

    This is hilarious :) I like the nyan rodent the best, but the rest of it is pretty inspirational too. Hiking the Inca Trail is on my list to do in the next few years, so I’m devouring every photo and travel story I can in preparation!

    1. estherjulee

      it was a great experience! do it! :)

  2. estherjulee

    thanks ally! good meeting you too!

  3. estherjulee

    thanks sophia! yeah, it was a pretty rough trip, but if i can do it, you def can too!

  4. sophia

    love these photos! well, all of your peru photos actually. these mountain views are incredible.

    i read your previous post about the hike up to macchu picchu and i don’t think i could ever do it. for someone who hates walking, girl, you’s a soulja!

  5. Ally McGlam

    You two are so super cute! I love your blog its so happy and colorful! It ws awesome meeting you as well!

    xo Ally McGlam

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