Cuzco and the fabulous Machupicchu

We arrived to Cuzco just before lunch time. From almost sea level altitude in Nazca, we got to 3800m above sea level after 14 hours bus trip. Chalex, our next host, was still busy, so we walked through city for a while. It was hot and bags just felt so heavy. Our fast walking approach didn’t work at all...cause our breath was gone in a second.

It was great relief to drop our backpacks of our backs J Chalex and his house mates were very cool people. We had tea and coffee together and nice talk. We took on board his advice and booked 4 days “Jungle trail” tour to Machu Picchu. Thankfully, we could leave most of our staff in his flat. J

On the Tuesday morning we met our tour guide Ronny and rest of our group – Chris, Danny, Rob (USA) and Alex (UK). Once everybody was on board, bicycles on the top of roof, we started the most amazing tour ever.  First we went by car up till the 4000m what took about 3 hours of amazing views...deffinitely we didn’t get bored. Once arrived we prepare the equipment, hopped on the bike and took of downhill... for around 40 km J .... it was the greatest bicycle ride we ever did. Not even talking about the same amazing views, the speed and all sharp and 180⁰ turns... streams crossing the road, which made us wet more than a couple of times, breaking for wild goats and horses... it was simply amazing J wouldn’t mind to do it again =D.

Second day was more challenging. We walked for 24km, mostly on easy terrain, but some parts were pretty steep. Neither the backpacks nor feet were the trouble... it was the air that was missing. Janka found herself almost collapsing :/. Despite all the difficulties, it was spectacular walk. Views were great, so pretty nature, we could even appreciate groups off parrots flying above us J soooo nice!!!! By the end of the day, rest was the only word in our heads. And there was a surprise waiting for us... we arrive to hot spring swimming pools.... wow.... hot water again =D. When we got there it was completely empty... it was super cool to swim in pool with warm water, after so many days with just the cold water available ...and so we relaxed for a couple of hours before the final kms till the 2^nd stopping point.  In the final of the second day the group had already a name: The Hostile Tribe J We were the faster, more polite and crazy funny group this land heard about =D fantastic group moments ;).

The 3^rd day wasn’t so hard in distance but Sun showed up and we were sweating like pigs. =D It was a good morning walk and at the break we had a great time playing cards, curiously a Slovak game not being played by SlovaksJ. The second part of the day we could already see some parts of Machupicchu while we were walking on the railway all around the “Ancient mountain” until Aguas Calientes - our last place to rest. We luckily got one very nice room with the view to the amazingly noisy river. It wasn’t annoying in any way, but simply special, strong and fast. Finally we got a hot shower and after the dinner we prepare ourselves for the next early morning awake.

4^th day was the “cherry on the cake”. We got up very soon and at 4:30am we were already heading on to the main gate on the bottom of the mountain were we confirmed the Passport numbers. At 5am the doors opened and there we were crossing the bridge in the way to our “dreams place”. The path was always steepy for 1 hour in a good pace.  And so we climbed and arrived to the top...very exhausted we reunited the group in the last door to the great monument. The “Hostile tribe” had done it J. Full off excitement we went through at 6am. Nuno rushed to see the monument with no tourist....what a view. Misty, foggy, cloudy ... and just perfect when the sun set on the opposite mountain. Back to the entrance we joined the group for a guided tour.

We walked through the ruins of Machupicchu and learned about the “speculations” of the history of the monument. No register exists. Nothing is known about the real use of this magical place. They told us that it was a University created by the Incas for special studies away from everything and all documentations were destroyed by the Spanish Conquers and kept in secret from the King of Spain ....long story...It’s sad to know that big percentage of heritage of South America Culture and past it’s gone, all because of people who wanted more than it was necessary....  but the place is simply gorgeous, amazing and really nicely preserved. After the tour we were getting really tired but we pull our strenght together and we walked around. And so we went to visit the Inca bridge. It was the very first way to achieve the “city” but now is closed, mostly destroyed with a half metre wide trail which incredibly continues further by mountain side. They must have been really brave people and vertigos free J. We finally sat on an amazing spot, having an illegal pick nick (no food allowed in the monument... they said=D) and our eyes enjoyed view to such fantastic construction. In the afternoon, before the drizzling started, we walked again around the monument, taking pictures of the Lamas and simply breathed such good energy. Once rain started to fall, we left. We were both exhausted and hardly moved our legs downhill... but completely satisfied and happy . Beautiful experience.  If you ever have a chance... go and visit Machupicchu ;).

We arrived back to Aguas Calientes and waited for the Train. Not a magical train, unless in causing injuries. :/. Arriving at Cuzco around 1pm we were happy to be received by Chalex and rest. Next day, still tired we decided to leave Cuzco. No monuments in Cusco would satisfy us after previous days . We continued our trip, rested while travelling for 7hours in the direction of Puno, city on side the big lake - Titicaca.