The Climax

Holy Cow! We made it. After all the things I promised I would never speak of again. Although we arrived late into Aguas Caliente by way of train tracks, I was chipper and ready to go when the 4:00 am alarm sounded. We received our tickets and soon were standing in line along with a hundred other folks from across the planet. We all had the same goal in mind: Get to Machu Picchu before sunrise of the winter solstice. The bus driver showed his expertise on the one-ish laned switchback roads. Around forty eyes stared at the red font clock centrally mounted at the front of the bus. It was around 5:30 and there was absolutely nothing to see outside of the windows. Soon we were inline getting our tickets checked and the race was on. Michael, Matthew, and I scurried up the switchback path to the top of the site. Michael gave Matt and me guidance on where to stand and what to look for when the sun arose over the peaks. Matt was the first soul at the temple of the three windows and I was the first tourist at the Intihuatana. Four Peruvian Ministry of Culture officials were set up behind a roped off area with their extensive camera equipment to get a certain shot. The solstice sunrise would allow the square stone to cast a triangular shadow. Unfortunately the roped off area was the best place to observe the shadow and I only obtained a meager view upon first light. Intihuatana lines up inbetween Machu Picchu mountain and Huayna Picchua mountain. After rushing down to Matt’s post, I was able to sneak a glimpse at a rock casting a shadow of a llama. The Temple of the Three Windows casted sun on a slab of stone which projected a shadow nearly straight backwards. We quickly hurried to the Temple of the Sun where Michael was observing the sun entered through a central window. The light formed the shape of the window and was perfectly cut in half by a line in a rock where the sun hit. Michael informed us that slowly the block of sun would move so that it would not be cut. 

The long awaited winter solstice sunrise!

While standing above the Temple, we spotted Dr. Brown and the rest of our group congregated towards the center of the site. We walked around trying to take it all in while still focusing on alignments and specific features around the ruins. We came across a jutting stone out of a wall which resembled the head of possible condor or bird. The most striking features were the repetition of rocks resembling the mountain peaks behind them. The Sacred Stone seemed to mimic the summit of the mountain directly behind it. Other small stones served some resemblance yet not as conclusive as the Sacred Rock. Dr. Brown managed to find a high window in a series of rooms that if standing in the corner of the rooms, one could see the peak of Machu Picchu Mountain or Huayna Picchu Mountain. Another interesting observance was a massive rock leaning on a smaller rock. It was believed to be sacrificial and had cuts to drain blood or water from whatever lay atop. Later we returned to the Temple of the Sun and Michael was right! The sun was almost completely off the slab that initially cut the casting in half.

Machu Picchu Mountain through the Window

The Top of Machu Picchu Mountain

Later Michael, Matt and I decided to go forth and climb Machu Picchu Mountain. It was the longest set of stairs I have ever continuously climbed. Each step was uneven and higher or narrower than what is considered safe. Two hours after starting the climb, I peaked out to see the glorious landscape in a 360 degree view. The summit was full of people eating and drinking but one thing was common with everyone; they were all relaxing. I threw my bag down, grabbed some rock and began sucking down large gulps of water. After my colleagues joined me, we took some pictures and enjoyed the view all while catching our breathes. Machu Picchu is extraordinarily a spectacular place. I am so grateful for being able to see this new wonder of the world especially on a day like the winter solstice.  I cannot give the Incas enough praise for their miraculous feat!

Viva Peru!

~JH