Agua Calientes: 1 day til Machu Picchu

Got on the train this morning to Agua Calientes and will go to Machu Picchu tomorrow. I am tired at this point and let the company that organized my Choquiquerao trek organize everything for me, including getting my ticket to Machu Picchu. It seems to be a good decision so far.

It´s interesting to be in a little town that has no cars, only the buses that shuttle tourists from the town up the hill to Machu Picchu and is only accessible by train. I like it.

The hostel tried to interest me in going to some hot springs, an orchid museum and some waterfalls today, but I already had a plan. My guide for Choquiquerao told me that the climb up to Putucusi, a mountain just outside of town, would offer me some of the most amazing views of Machu Picchu. It turns out he was right! … but I have to WARN anyone that decides to use my post as a guide for what to do in Agua Calientes. I would not recommend this climb for anyone who is not familiar with rock climbing. This is simply because I only think that through having climbed, did I realize how scared I was supposed to be on one section of the climb and also fully realize just how much I needed to hold onto the metal cable next to the slab.

The "climb" up to Putucusi

The reward though was amazing. This was the first time that I have been in a “tourist” place in Peru and have been entirely alone. I only saw four people during my hike and had the peak all to myself for nearly two hours!