Machu Picchu - Sun Gate Trail

Wednesday, 23 August 2018

We had a morning pass to Machu Picchu today, so we left the hotel at 6 AM to stand in the bus queue for over an hour, and finally arrive at the entrance gate about 7:45 AM. Sunrise at Machu Picchu is supposed to be a magical moment, but today would have been a disappointment. A lot of visitors were just sitting on the terraces waiting for the very thick fog to clear so that they could see promised view. It was well past 10 AM before the fog and clouds lifted. That's a long wait!

The trail to the Sun Gate starts along the terraces above the Caretaker's Hut. This photo was actually taken yesterday, but fits better here. This morning it wasn't clear like this!

This is fairly typical of the trail: a steady incline, paved with stone, and steps in spots.

There are numerous view points along the trail, but on our way up (left) there were no views to be had. On our return (right), the scenery was impressive.

Not too far up the Sun Gate trail is "Pachamama", a sacred rock that is a miniature of Machu Picchu Mountain that in good weather can be seen behind the rock. At the base are the ruins of a temple to Pachamama, the indigenous Earth Mother goddess.

Another view of the trail in the fog. There were quite a few orchids and other flowers along the trail.

Halfway up the trail is an old Incan structure. Again, on the way up (left), it was all fog all the time. On the return (right) we had magnificent views, although as the sun came out, it got quite warm.

On our way back down, we got a good view of the substantial ruins at the half-way point.

As we got close to the Sun Gate, the fog would clear for a minute or two, then return just as thick as before.

Looking back along the Inca Trail from the Sun Gate. The Sun Gate ("Inti Punku") is a small structure of pillars and niches and surrounding terraces at the pass where the Inca Trail starts its descent into Machu Picchu.

A view of the Sun Gate from just below the last set of steps. Our guide, Manny, is in the foreground.

We finally got the promised view of Machu Picchu. We weren't at the Sun Gate, but not too far below on our return.

We got a good view of the winding dirt road (with 13 switchbacks) as we descended. Machu Picchu is about 1200 ft (365 m) above the town of Machu Picchu Pueblo ("Machu Picchu Town", formerly Aguas Calientes, "Hot Waters"). The road is mostly unpaved except for the switchbacks.

Looking back at the Sun Gate. The trail is barely visible at the right of the photo, and the Sun Gate is in the notch.

Overall we took 3 hours for this hike. I'm slow on uphill, even slower at higher elevations. But it was a hike worth taking.