The final day of the trek is not that much of a hike, but it does mean getting up WAY early and hiking in the dark in order to get to the Sun Gate by dawn. Which is OK since it gets you into Machu Picchu early... 

Read more about it... Click Here.

Up Before Dawn...

On to Machu Picchu

The previous night, after returning from Huinay Huayna, we had dinner and sat around having a little spiced wine and chatting despite the fact that we had to get up so early. We also said goodbye to the porters, since it would be the last time we would see them as a group. (For a word about the porters and a photo, go Here.)

Even though the previous day had been the shortest in terms of the hike I slept well, and was ready to go when the 'wake-up call' came round at 4:00AM After a breakfast of pancakes and porridge we were on the trail by 5:00AM (and glad Mauro knew his way out of the camp!). We went past the checkpoint (once again happy that somebody else was minding the paperwork) and on down the trail, walking by flashlight for the first 45 minutes or so.

When we got to Intipunku (the Sun Gate) there were maybe 6 - 10 people already there but more were quickly filling the trail behind us. We beat the sunrise but didn’t stay there long since the place began to fill up, the sun rises behind you as you face Machu Picchu and with low hanging clouds we wanted to get closer while the view was clear.

The 'A' Team at the Sun Gate, BLOCKING the view of Machu Picchu... (actually you have a partial view off of Branca's left arm)...  From left: Yugi, Susan, Josh, Mauro & Branca...

The photo here is from a shrine about halfway down from the Sun Gate (Intipunku). This is actually a view of Machu Picchu through the doorway with the mist rolling up and over the main site. This place also has a large flat carved stone which appears to be carved to match the contours of a reclining figure, the suggestion being that this was to accommodate lengthy observances of the night sky...