global greta: MACHU PICCHU

Many people think once you're in Cusco, you've essentially made it to Machu Picchu. Laura and I shopped up and down for the right tour, how we'd get to there the fastest, see the most, etc. We knew the Inca trail was out of the picture because we were flying out from Lima on the 9th and it only gave us 5 days in Cusco for Laura to acclimate and for us to see the town and Machu Picchu. We chose a two day tour that would allow us to get into Aguas Calientes the night before so that we could leave at 4 in the morning. We we confident we picked the best way to get to Machu Picchu and we would take the bus so we could see all the sights on the way. BAD BAD BAD mistake. The proposed 4 hour bus ride was actually 8, and it was on some of the most dangerous roads I've ever been on. Sixteen of us were packed in a 10 passenger van and Laura and I sat infront next to the driver so every time he shifted we were elbowed in the ribs.

Despite the death bus, our lovely Italian friends sitting in the back named our trip, we arrived in Aguas Calientes and celebrated with a beer in the hot springs. It was a tourist trap but we didn't care - the beer was cold and we were safe.

It's hard to describe Machu Picchu - so I'm not going to try. If you every have the opportunity in your lifetime do all you can do see it - well, don't take the death bus, take the train. Seeing Machu Picchu, regardless of how cliche it may be to say, is an absolutely incredible experience. Already, it is a highlight and I'm only a month in. We decided to climb Waynapicchu - the huge mountain in the back that you always see. It was a hard one hour hike but very well worth it. Most of the pictures that are up high were taken there and the sun came out at just the right time for us. I have great video that I will update at some point as well but in the meantime, enjoy the pics.