Machu Picchu: Closure of Salkantay Trek
Day 5
We were supposed to be in the line for the bus to Machu Picchu at 4 am as our kind guide
instructed us.
Crowds we bumped into in Aguas Calienetes would be competitors in the following morning.
It seemed impossible for me when I first heard this and I was wrought up with that idea.
But I was already ready by 3:30 am so I walked down the hill and stood behind more than 10 people
who were already earlier than me.
Strangely I didn't feel cold nor tired as expected.
Rather in a little bit unusually perky mood.
A stray dog was wandering between us and a few peddlers appeared selling sandwiches or coca teas.
Shops along the road opened for simple sandwiches, burgers or fruits too.
A little later Eddie came after he checked on our daughter and so did our guide.
I was worried about her but finally she made it there around 4:30am.
I was hugely relieved she managed to see Machu Picchu.
Our guide brought our separate tickets for the bus and entry for Machu Picchu including a hike to Mt Machu Picchu.
Gradually line was getting longer and I couldn't see the end of it from where I was standing.
I walked up the hill back to the hotel to grab free breakfast quickly with Eddie leaving my daughter in the queue.
I asked hotel people to pack a simple sandwich for my daughter.
On the way back to the line I couldn't believe my eyes...the line reached almost near our hotel.
The first bus was to leave at 5:30 am and we were in it.
I saw from the bus window lots of people walking to Machu Picchu.
I was amazed with high population rate around there once again.
I didn't feel regret of not walking as it was not regarded as a worthy one to me.
Nonetheless it did look a task you needed a big courage or passion.
I could feel their perseverance at first sight.
We were in the queue again(?) waiting the grandeur Machu Picchu door open for us.
Two young people tried to squeeze in our queue from no where and our guide scolded them.
People lost their civility in this ancient Inkan city for their stronger desires.
Finally we made a grand entry to Machu Picchu at 6 am and people including us ran towards inside.
People were trying to take the best shot of best, running and trying to go into the best spot of best
before everyone else.
As if to come here with only one mission, to take photos for evidence to show the world.
To tick off from the bucket lists proudly.
Both impatience and excitement occupied the place and I was quite dispirited with all of these events.
That's one of the reasons I'm not that keen on being with crowds in popular places.
We straight went to the high spot to overlook the whole picture of Machu Picchu.
Views from there looked quite familiar even though I'd never been there before.
As we saw them through pictures millions of times already.
It was serene and beautiful at that time of the day.
Before the sun rise.
I listened to our guide's explanation both very intently and interestingly trying not to miss anything.
I realized how beautifully the ancient city was constructed!
So delicate and mysteriously advanced I was mesmerized listening to him unfold Incan magic
and understood why people were so adamant to be there at least a little bit.
Their worship towards the Sun: desperate efforts to try to reach their God of the Sun
by building their nest up there at high mountains along with their urgency to escape from the Spanish.
It's all melted with wind and sun over the years remaining there trying to tell us a story.
