Don Isaac pt III

1400 - Once you enter Maccu Picchu, you can procede to the terraces in the west. There is a good place to sit and take in the beautiful ruins, to revel in the amazing setting, and to wonder whether the structures are real, or rebuilt.




Here is one trekker's reaction to seeing Maccu Picchu up close:

Now that I have seen several Inca ruins, I am able to differentiate between their stonework and other culture´s stonework. The Inca´s were so precise. They used huge stones as the base for many walls and buildings, but carved them into corners or staircases. Then they carved smaller stones to make up walls and ceilings. But they didn´t just use squares or brick shapes. Often, the Inca walls contain pentagons, trapezoids, parallelograms. The Incas make these all fit together, with barely a seam showing. There is no grout visible, no spaces in between rocks. In fact, my friend remarked that maybe they just used huge rocks are carved in seams so it appeared they did stonework. Really, it is quite striking. The Inca walls are also quite bulbous. They don´t flatten their stones, they round them out.

In Maccu Picchu, it is clear where the original, advanced stonework of the Incas remains, and where modern efforts have been made to "restore" the site to its former glory.

1430 - Trekkers can split up at this point, to either sit in one place, or to wander all over the site. Make sure you catch the rounded Tomb of the Inca on the northern side of the site. The stonework is quite impressive.

1600 - Begin downhill trek.

1640 - Return to hostel in Aguas Calientes, change into bathing suits for Hot Springs.

1720 - You may notice that they have increased the price twofold since the last Lonely Planet book has been published. Tourism is a booming business in this country! The Don Isaac Company unfortunately has no power over these costs. Soak your worries away in the mineral-rich warm, cloudy water that gave Aguas Calientes its name! Meet some fellow Americans in the pools, and exchange travel stories!

1820 - When you are completely pruned out, return to your hostel. You may elect to shower with clean water here, but be warned -- it is freezing cold.

1900 - Late dinner. Tonight you can eat your favorite meal, Arroz de la Cubana, and drink Cuzqueסa beer. (You also may get to watch the proprieter of the restaurant walk around the block trying to find said beer.)

2000 - Return to hostel. Buy cookies for the train ride tomorrow. Try to sleep despite bug bites.

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DAY FOUR

0515 - Early wake-up, pack for train.

0530 - You may be told by your hostel and by locals on the street that the train is leaving. Ignore them.

0536 - Arrive at train station out of breath. You will now see that your train is absolutely not leaving, and in fact will not leave for another fourteen minutes, at its prescribed time. On the train you will have some time to sleep (72 Soles)

0745 - Arrive in Quillabamba. Eat breakfast at any number of the cute hostels lining the river.

0810 - Explore the Quillabamba ruins. If you forgot to bring your Boleta Touristica, do not despair. The woman who mans the booth at this site is very understanding and forgiving, and will let you through if you promise to bring your Boleta to the next site.

0940 - Visit the Quillabamba market. This is a good opportunity to buy bread or other food for the rest of the trek.

1010 - Bus to Urubamba. This may be a squishy ride, as the route is quite popular. You may have to keep your packs on your laps. This is another chance to sleep. (1.20 Soles)

1040 - Arrive in Urubamba. You will be immediately shuttled onto a bus to Cuzco, though that bus may not leave for several minutes. However, your early arrival guarantees you front seats, where you will have room to store your packs and stretch out your legs. (3 Soles)

1105 - This bus often picks up flirty, teenaged Peruvian girls. They are very loud. Try to rest, despite the giggles.

1400 - Arrive in Cuzco!!!




AMOUR!!! You have completed Phase III of the Don Isaac Trail!

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Total travel time: 4 Days, 3 Nights
Total transportation and attraction cost: 140 Soles