Trekking the Inka Trail to Machu Picchu Day 4: Wiñay Wayna to Machu Picchu
Posted:
I got up at 3.55 and got late for breakfast as I first went to the bathroom, only had a pancake. We left as planned at 4.15, and got first to the gate at the control point. People were surprised to see us leave as they still sat with their breakfast when we passed the other camps. We got first, then it was an hours wait till the controll point would open at 5.30.
Once passed the control point, our guide set a very fast pace, and people almost ran. I decided to pursuit muy guide as people fell behind. Someone from another group had set off trying to catch up with us but he didn't pass. I arrived second to the sun gate, Intipunku, only after my guide. This was exhausting, and dissapointing as Machu Picchu was covered in clouds.
Eventually it cleared up and we could get the photo that we had been running for. Once everyone had arrived, got their photo and a break, we went on to the next stop before entering Machu Picchu, the site for the classic photo. Again Machu Picchu was covered in clouds. But waiting the clouds eventually disappeared and we got our photos.
We descended to the main entrance to store our luggage, before going up for a two hour guided tour around the main site.
We had been warned that it was probably impossible to get tickets to go up Wayna Picchu, though some tourist may give up before entering and hand on their ticket to someone else. I set off with 5 others from the group, we only got one unused entrance from another touritst, but it turned out not to be necesary. We all got in and started walking.
Getting to the top of Wayna Picchu is a hard walk up a steep and narrow trail, almost climbing at some places. After the morning run and the last days trekking, it was hard, but we all made it the 500m up from the base. The view was great and it was absolutely worth the effort. We were back down at noon and took the bus to Aguas Calientes.
I must say it was somewhat an anticlimax to see Machu Picchu. Yes, the location is beautiful, but it was the trek that was the experience. I don't find it worth going if not trekking.