aguas calientes

Machu Picchu Crossed Off the Bucket List

After years of wanting to visit Machu Picchu, I finally had the perfect chance to take my bucket list trip.  Although it was very rushed and a lot of last minute planning, the stars aligned and my Machu Picchu trip was finally a reality.  Ideally, I would have done the 4 day trek through the Inca Trail to get to Machu Picchu, but since it was such a last minute trip, I didn't have enough time to book it.  

My journey to Machu Picchu started with a train ride to Aguas Calientes.  

I got in pretty late, so I just spent the first night strolling around the town and taking it easy for my early morning trip to Machu Picchu.

The next morning, I took the first bus out to Machu Picchu to catch the sunrise on the mountain.  I basically planned to spend the whole day there just taking in the sights.

On the way up

On the way up

The morning light coming through the mountains was amazing.

The morning light coming through the mountains was amazing.

The majestic view just as the sun peeks over the mountains

The majestic view just as the sun peeks over the mountains

The Watchman's Hut with the perfect view over Machu Picchu

The Watchman's Hut with the perfect view over Machu Picchu

A look back at the terraces

A look back at the terraces

The money shot

The money shot

Inca Bridge

Inca Bridge

After spending roughly 8 hours exploring and getting thoroughly sunburnt, I headed back to Machu Picchu Pueblo to have one last meal before heading back to Cusco.