Macchu Picchu

So, the following day after the train ride from Cusco to Aguas Calientes, I got up early again to get up to Machu Picchu before it got too busy. I caught the first bus up there at 5:30 a.m., and waited in line for the site to open at 6:30.

Upon getting up to where you give the guy your ticket, I was told that my backpack was too 'large' to go in with, and I had to store it outside. This after they recommend you bring a lunch and water up there, to avoid having to go back out and eat. I protested for a bit, but no dice. It quickly became obvious that it was only a money grab, as they simply randomly picked people out of the crowd and told them to go store their bags, while allowing others with larger bags to walk through. When you had to go store your bag, they then charged you for storage. I then pushed my way back to the front of the line and went inside to have a look around.

Macchu Picchu was nice, and it was great to be able to get around in there without the pathways and stairs being choked with tourists. It is multi-levelled, and it takes some time and energy to be able to climb everywhere to look at everything.

After a few hours and a bunch of photos, I decided to leave when it started to get full. I hopped a bus down the mountain and went back to town. Rather than waiting for my train to arrive later that afternoon around 5 p.m., I changed my train to go to Ollantaytambo, and got out of Aguas Calientes.

The train was almost empty, which made for a much more comfortable ride, being able to stretch out and relax, and even sleep comfortably for a bit. Upon arriving to Ollantaytambo, I got a cheap taxi for the 1 1/2 hour ride back to Cusco, where I had one more night before flying back to Lima the next day.

Ultimately, Macchu Picchu is nice, but is the largest tourist trap I have run into since I left home. With all the hassle and cost it is to get there and back, I don't feel it was worthwhile. Others disagree, but I wouldn't go back.