Scenes from my morning at Machu Picchu & Wayna Picchu

I have already posted about my time generally kicking around Machu Picchu Pueblo, one strong meal I enjoyed at Ponchos, and one disappointing meal I experienced at Museo de la Papa. Now I'll get to the main event, which is the visit to Machu Picchu. I'd been there once before in 2006 with Judy. Look at these kids below way back then:

Seeing it again was great. Mountain hasn't changed much. Looking through those 2006 shots compared to the ones I took this time with my phone, it's clear that photo technology has evolved a bit. Even with my phone that is four generations or more behind the current offering, the pics are so different.

Our whole trip came together without a ton of lead time, so some of the scheduling details were quirky throughout. One of which was that I did circuit 1 of Machu Picchu before doing circuit 3. There are a couple of reasons I'd flip this sequence if I was going to do it again. First, circuit 3 with the Wayna Picchu hike is much more difficult. Lot of steps up and down. Probably best to do that one fresh. Second, it gets warmer as the morning rolls on. Also want to do the harder hike when it's cooler, with some cloud cover. But the way my tickets played out, we did the panoramic 1b I believe, followed by my solo adventure on 3a.

Not a lot I can say that the pictures don't do a better job of showing. First batch here are a few highlights from classic route 1.

Then it was time to deal with Wayna Picchu, which for reference is that taller peak off in the distance of the shot above. First stop is the little check point where you need to sign in. You also sign out when you're done. My entry / exit times were 10:10 and 11:55. Not terrible for a guy wearing jeans and schlepping a messenger bag loaded with some things I didn't need (umbrella, pullover, power bank, and the water which was indeed necessary).

Now a couple of representative shots of the vertical stone staircases that made up most of the hike. Lot of narrow, twisting climbs.

Eventually you get to the top. Yes, it's an impressive view. Personally I'm not 100% sure it's for everyone. Lot of work for a marginally 'better' view of everything. But you do feel a sense of accomplishment when you're done.

Speaking of 'being done' with the hike, it's not a cakewalk on the way out, either. Some tricky descents. And there is also a good amount of up and down. It is by no means just a simple climb up one way and a descent the other way. Up and down, both ways.