Okay that is two hours just to climb up to the top and come back. For an extra two hours you can take the extended route. This takes you to the Gran Caverna. I will see how I feel at the top as to whether or not I go this extra distance.
The people in front of me in the entrance line were from Canberra, and they had there own guide as they had been trekking. Though they did not have packs with them for this walk, they did have some gear. I just had small camera, rain coat water and snacks.
The Aussies and guide took off and disappeared up the narrow path way. Mind you I did overtake a lot of people too. The path is very narrow and very steep. However the rewards of the views are amazing. The path up is in the shadow side of the mountain. You might be able to make out people on the track! The. As I work my way up, a photo to show what the track was like.
The last little section requires that you crawl through a little cave. The walls slope like those of the vatican dome, but there is only half the height. Also it was only 3 meters long. A group of us were taking photos of each other as we popped through. And invites to photo bomb were given.just too funny for words.
Okay now at the top, which is just a heap of rocks. There is not really much of an area to sit and relax.
But the view. The hard climb up was nothing for the view you gain. I am so happy that I did this climb and that there was no rain either!
Once you are over the top you start to descend again. But wait, there are those Aussies and their guide again. But this time they are going through a rough barricade. I ask if this is the way to the Gran Caverna. Yes the guide replied. I tagged along and had to keep up. Though they were a little tired now and it was a little easier. Also the fact we were walking down hill.
The path was narrow and steeper but it was okay. Then we turned the couner to find a wooden step ladder, going down. It was either go down or turn back climb up the hill again, and join the others on their trek.
The rungs had a fair gap in them but the 20 feet drop was quickly covered.
Onward we went and then we came to the top of the cave. We walked around to the entrance.
Wow. To think man built these stone walls hundreds of years ago by hand will never stop amazing me. From my guided tour of Machu Picchu I am lead to believe that there were possibly 12 million people in the inkan empire before the Spanish. The building was carried out as part of paying their taxes. Once the Spanish came the population dropped to 3 million due to diseases.
The stones are cut so that they fit to the roof of the cave, there is no gap.
Okay now after a short rest I start to head off. And it is all up hill. Well nearly all. We do find a small section that is level. So all this up hill action on stairs is going to come back and bite me in a few days.
Oh well for now the only way out is up those steps.
The small section of level path is half part of the cliff face and half retaining wall.
It was built over 400 years ago, so you just walk it and do not worry!
I am trying to capture some photos and keep up. As if I fall nobody will find me! And we had not seen anyone else on the path.
Then we hear voices and we come to the other path which were taking the 10 am group to the top of Wanya picchu. The path was crowded by both the ascenders and the descenders.
I signed out at 1035 am. And with leg burn too.
The route of the walk.
After a rest some food and water, I head back to the hotel for a shower and lunch.
I was not planning on going back out so I also had some desert.
Okay I might need a walk!
After which I head off to the inka bridge. There is only a short climb of stairs to start with then there is a comfortable walk on a parthwat for 20 minutes.. You then come around the corner of the trail and you see a cliff wall. There is the path, built up, created hard against the cliff face. And the drop bridge built in the middle. The path is closed so you can not go further nor would you wish to cross the wooden logs that form the bridge.
Though on the other side in the distance I could see an inka flag on a flag pole. I will leave it be a wonder as to who and how it got there.
I returned back to the entrance gate and stamped my passport to show that I entered the inkan state.
Finally back to my hotel, relax in spa, to help with the leg burn! Tomorrow is leave day to go back down to Aguas Calientes.
Sept 30 am, prior to breakfast I sat and watched various birds have their breakfast. Truely peaceful.
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