You take a train to get to the common entryway to Machu Picchu and end at the town of Aguas Calientes. REI put us up at another incredible hotel, the Inkaterra. It was gorgeous and amazing. (I was expecting sort of a Super 8 quality from REI.) Then we spent three days exploring Machu Picchu. Katrina knew how to avoid crowds. Go to the edges, to the less visited, during the busiest hours. Have lunch early then go back to the ruin when everyone else is eating. Then stay late and take the last bus back down. Long days but more than worth it.
The second day was the optional walk/climb up Wayna Picchu, which is that pointed peak in all the common photos. Deb and I did this one and it was simply great, and not all that hard. Except for one part coming down an ancient stairway, very steep, no handrail of course, and it ended at a narrow ledge above a long cliff drop. For a climber, no big deal. For us it was something to get past.
Third day we took the first bus up and caught the sunrise and walked to the Sun Gate at the other end of the ruin. That was another really fine trip. Lots of Inca Trail trekkers along that route.
The second day was the optional walk/climb up Wayna Picchu, which is that pointed peak in all the common photos. Deb and I did this one and it was simply great, and not all that hard. Except for one part coming down an ancient stairway, very steep, no handrail of course, and it ended at a narrow ledge above a long cliff drop. For a climber, no big deal. For us it was something to get past.
Third day we took the first bus up and caught the sunrise and walked to the Sun Gate at the other end of the ruin. That was another really fine trip. Lots of Inca Trail trekkers along that route.