Machu Picchu and back to Cusco, Peru – May 12, 2017

This morning we were hiking the Inca Trail up to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), so what follows for a while will be photos during the hike up and back. The elevation change is 950 feet from Machu Picchu up to the Sun Gate, with the Sun Gate being at just under 9,000 feet. It meant for a slow hike with numerous rests. I was surprised how easy it was to get winded if I kept a steady pace even for a short distance. Discretion being the better part of valor, I slowed down, stuck close to Linda and rested when she rested, at least sometimes.



You know all those fantastic photos everyone is always posting of their trip to Machu Picchu? Well, this is just to show you that not all of the them turn out fantastic, it’s just that no one but me is willing to post something like this.



That’s more like it!



A few feet further and the view is completely different. It isn’t easy taking photos of Machu Picchu without including gobs of people.



See what I mean about people everywhere. Actually there is a story behind all the smiles.



Foot pointing to rock. This is the reason for the smiles. To take the previous photo I was backing up while looking into the camera. My heel caught on this rock and I almost, almost being the operative word, lost my balance. Edgar had told us to watch where we stepped. Some didn’t pay attention to those words, hence the smiles and laughter. Not going to say I didn’t backup again, but I sure made it my business to look behind me before I moved. Teachable Bob.



The body and facial expressions say it all.

A little while later further up the trail.



Why mountains are climbed.



Nearing the end.




As good as it gets.



Llama leavings.



Resting in the shade.



Resting along the trail.



View from sitting on the wall along the trail.



Have to try out all the settings on my new camera.

A video panorama, or, a different kind of panorama. One that is unlikely to be repeated during the trip. Bob, the shakey NOT videographer




Hooray! Linda standing in the Sun gate overlooking Machu Picchu, she made it all the way to the top.



The switchback road, Machu Picchu and the trail to the Sun Gate. Now we understand what is actually in the photos we saw online before we came here.



Proud Linda.



Heading back down to Machu Picchu.








Almost back.



Words not necessary.




As pretty as it gets, and Machu Picchu also looks great.



A, been there, down that, photo.



Machu Picchu from a different angle.



Huh? Did I miss something in their list of nationalities and foods?



I did not pinch her! She’s laughing. Really, honest.



Being an O.A.T. guide can tire a person out.



Yep, we are in the Andes.



The sun sets early near the equator.