Peru VII: Machu Picchu Again

In the afternoon of the second day hiking the Salkantay Trek, we were dropped off at Hidroelectrica, which is on the opposite side of Machu Picchu sanctury from where most tourists enter. There is a train station here, but we hiked the roughly three hours from there to Aguas Calientes, following the beautiful river and directly under Machu Picchu mountain. It gave a very different perspective on this area, and was very enjoyable. By evening we arrived in Aguas Calientes and the next morning I got to enter Machu Picchu a second time thanks to purchasing 6am tickets months in advance. I couldn't have asked for better conditions -- it was a private tour so we were able to get ahead of the crowds easily, and the mist kept swirling and clearing through the ruins, creating some of the most magical scenes I could have imagined here! After the usual tour route, I re-entered Machu Picchu a third time with tickets to climb Machu Picchu mountain, soaring over two thousand feet higher than the citadel. The views were stunning...well worth the grueling climb!