The Inca Trail - To the Sun Gate

After our first morning exploring Machu Picchu, we headed to the buffet at the Sanctuary Belmond Hotel (the buffet was included in our train ticket The buffet costs 40$ USD without the train ticket discount.). The Belmond is the only hotel located near Machu Picchu and costs something like 1500$ CDN per night. We did not stay there, obviously.  Instead we took the crazy bus up. The picture below shows what the road up the mountain looks like from way above on the Inca trail.   

This is the bus road up to Machu Picchu, taken from Inca trail above Machu Picchu

  After our fabulous lunch, James decided we should walk to the Sun Gate...you know, just hop on over to the Sun Gate...a mere (supposed) 1 hour walk (read: HIKE) away. The hike was gruelling--from some us more than for others of us. I found it a challenge. James also found it a challenge walking up (up, up, always up), Diego found it a serious challenge, and Mateo kept saying saying, "I'm not sweating!" I wanted to push him off the cliff when he said that.  The climb was a challenge. I was super glad to have those hiking boot...I'm not a dilettante after all, haha! The day was also extremely sunny and hot. We were, of course, dressed for Cusco nights...so overdressed. We did not need the scarves and sweaters. We finally made it to the Sun Gate...and were amazed at the view and how far it really is from Machu Picchu.  During my time at Machu Picchu I came to realize something about myself: I am afraid of heights. Who knew? 

On our way to the Sun Gate

We are still able to breath normally at this point.

Walking up, walking up, walking up

Up...

 

A female body was found here, the only female every excavated...a small pause to breath

More stairs

Mateo not sweating and kissing his biceps

Approaching the Sun Gate finally!

The Sun Gate!!!

We made it! Notice Diego's face--says it all, really.

On our way back down. Yes, DOWN!

 

In the city pointing up to the trail. The Sun Gate is located in the notch between the two mountains