Journey to Machu Picchu (Day 5)

"Knock, knock...are you guys awake, let's go!" It was Wes waking us up at 3:30am. We heard a bunch of people getting ready outside our room. This morning was a raceto get tickets to Hyanapicchu, a mountain right next to the ruins where we can view Machu Picchu in its entity from the top. Hassan and I took 10 minutes to get ready and we were off.

We needed flashlights because it was still night. There was a river of people with headlamps rushing to the entrance of Machu Picchu. Little did we know we would have to climb to the top (there were no buses available this early in the morning). Hassan and I ran passed a few people. We wanted to get there before everyone else. We finally got to the entrance...now we had to go up some stairs, to the real entrance of Machu picchu, at the top of a mountain.

Step by step, Hassan and I climbed. We heard the huffing and the puffing of people around us struggling to climb what seemed like a never-ending staircase. Along the way, there were people taking a break. I knew that this was not only a race, but a test of the survival of the fittest. Hassan was slowing down, but I wanted to continue at a steady pace. With no breakfast, all i had on me was water to give me energy.

While walking up the stairs, I was thinking to myself that this was probably no accident. The Incas that lived at Macu picchu were of great nobility, great genes, strong, andf powerful. Those that could not withstand the incredible amount of physical endurance needed, did not deserve to live at Machu Picchu. Afer a while, my body was on automatic, this was a test of the mind, of will power. I was determined to get there before everyone. Every time I passed more people, the weak, I felt stronger.

3000 steps later, I reached the top. However there were about 50 people that got there before me. Nevertheless, I knew I was going to get a ticket to Hyanapicchu. The ruins opened at 6am, so the time that I waited, I was just recuperating.

At 6am, I entered and got my tickets. Now, I had time to relax and appreciate the tremedous views. It was overwhelming how amazing this place was. Edwin met us at the guard house, and we began our tour while Edwin explained the purpose of most things. However, to this day, it is not known what Machu Picchu was used for.

It was finally time to say goodbye to Edwin; he was a great guide. Bjorn, Stig, Hassan, and myself decided that it was now time to climb Hyanapicchu. Wes and Danny went exploring on their own, and Peter was too tired so he went back to Aguas Calientes. We had to climb more stairs for Hyanapicchu (I don't know where I had the energy from!). I ended up going ahead of everyone, and eventually lost my group. At the top, I saw Emma with her group, as well as Wes and Danny. I decided to take a video because pictures did not describe what I saw...

On the way down, I met up with Danny and Wes some more, and found out that Bjorn, Stig and Hassan couldn't make it to the top. I was dead tired and was ready to leave. A bunch of people usually end up taking the bus back down (for 7 USD), but I wanted to walk all the way back down. I swear, after getting to the bottom, back to Aguas Calientes, I did not want to see another step or staircase ever again!

I met up with Hassan (who took the bus) at a coffee shop. He was there with Emilie and Molly, whom we met by coincidence at Machu Picchu. We were meeting up with everyone at 3pm for our last supper before we head back to Cuzco.

We got to a restaurant where I tried to get up a deal (since we were 10 people). For 15 Soles, we got a soup, main dish, dessert, and a drink. After supper, I was still hungry (probably catching up on all the energy that I used today). So the Japanese gues and me went searching for a large pizza to share. After the large pizza, I was still hungry! Therefore, right before taking the train, I found a place that offered a hamburger with fries for 10 Soles. I ate in in the train, and I was finally satisfies.

The train took us to Ollaytantambo where we took a two hour bus ride to Cuzco. On the bus, I met the first person from Quebec! We talked in French the whole way to Cuzco. She was travelling with her boyfriend. How it felt good to speak French! We got to Cuzco at 10pm, and I was exhauted! I immediately took a taxi back home, took a shower, and was knocked out in my cozy, comfy bed...