MACHU PICCHU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

They woke us up at 3:50 AM the morning of the fourth day, with the intent to be among the first groups to pass through the official checkpoint and reach the Sun Gate as early as possible. Our tents, precariously perched on the edge of the mountain, were made even more vulnerable by the tormenta that poured rain, rumbled thunder, and flashed lightning all night long. Having barely slept, I was eager to leave the dampness of my tent and enjoy the ritual morning cup of coca tea. The rain continued to fall, but still we held out hope that perhaps the clouds would part, the sky would clear and the sun would shine. When we reached the Sun Gate, Intipunku, and caught our first glimpses of Machu Picchu, the fog and clouds sent by Pachamama, the Earth Mother, kept the ancient city shrouded in mystery. After all those long days of walking it felt like we reached our ultimate destination in no time at all, four hours or so. We were cold, tired, hungry, but completely enchanted. There are agricultural terraces, temples, and houses of royals and priests. Llamas, oblivious to the tourists, walked the grounds. Colorful fowers, orchids and lilies among them, seemed blinding on that rainy morning. The misty weather mirrored my misty mind, unable to comprehend the magnificence of Machu Picchu. Get thee there, dear friends, by foot or by train get thee there.