Tropical Sailing Adventures

Happy Anniversary Mi Amor!

Machu Picchu (Spanish pronunciation: [ˈmatʃu ˈpiktʃu], Quechua: Machu Picchu [ˈmɑtʃu ˈpixtʃu], "Old Peak") is a pre-Columbian 15th-century Inca site located 2,430 metres (7,970 ft) above sea level.[1][2] Machu Picchu is located in the Cusco Region of Peru, South America. It is situated on a mountain ridge above the Urubamba Valley in Peru, which is 80 kilometres (50 mi) northwest of Cusco and through which the Urubamba River flows. Most archaeologists believe that Machu Picchu was built as an estate for the Inca emperor Pachacuti (1438–1472). Often referred to as the "City of the Incas", it is perhaps the most familiar icon of the Inca World.

Wow - truly an exceptional site. As magical as you hope it will be. I would recommend to anyone heading this way to stay and do two days at the site. It took several hours of navigating through the tourists before you start to get the feel of the place. They offer 4+ hour guided tours - our guide was a real pro. We heard other stories from disappointed folks who only spent a couple hours on the site. Basically, we didnt want to leave. We hiked Huanapicchu in the morning, a 3 hour round trip stair-stepping hike to overlook Machu Picchu - well worth the effort.

The train to Agua Calientes was a blast! As you drop into the Sacred Valley the terrain becomes lush and green while traversing alongside the river. Rough and rickety the horn blows around the sharp edges of the cliffside tracks. Inka Terraces and sites abound, jagged verdant cliffs, waterfalls spit out of the mountain, tired hikers sitting on their packs as they watch the train pass by - it is an exhilerating ride.