Machu Picchu

Day 54

It was a cold and wet morning. At 5.30am, a queue had already formed for the tourists buses parked next to the road. Despite the cold, everyone is chattering away and smiling in anticipation of what's waiting ahead for them. This is Aguas Calientes, the town nearest to Machu Picchu. Today, I'm one of the those early risers queuing for the first buses that leave for Machu Picchu on Christmas Eve.

The morning queue at Aguas Calientes

A welcome board on the way up to Machu Picchu. Photo taken from the bus.

After a 20 minutes bus ride, we arrived at the entrance of Machu Picchu. It took another couple of minutes before the park wardens open the gate at 6a.m. to admit the visitors.

Waiting to be admitted into MP

Machu Picchu means "Old  Mountain". Being one of the most iconic sights in the world, I have seen Machu Picchu many times, be it on the television, posters or even magazines. Yet, to finally see it with my very own eyes literally took my breath away. I was awe struck by the view of the magnificent architecture that greeted me when I turned round the corner. Rows and rows of terraces lined the slope of the mountain while the walls of buildings built more than five hundred years ago still stand proudly erect today. Even though we were initially dismayed by the light morning drizzle, we realised that the mist had created a more mysterious mood on Machu Picchu which is perfect for our photographs.

Way up for the view

MP in the morning

To date, nobody really knows what happens to the inhabitants of Machu Picchu. Archaeologists commented that the Incas had built and abandoned the site in less than 100 years. However, the real reason for the Incas in doing so is not known. Different theories were raised such as the Incas were fleeing from the Spanish when they invaded South America or there was a smallpox epidemic that killed most of the inhabitants. Regardless of the reason for the abandon, the ability of the Incas to build a palace at such high altitude which can withstand multiple earthquakes after hundreds of years is truly a remarkable feat.

Machu Picchu

Llamas at MP