Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu, meaning "old mountain" in the Quechua language is one of the most impressive and awe inspiring places one can visit. They say that it has a spiritual feeling about it that is incomparable. I think the MPA kids and teachers would have to agree.
This morning we woke up a little bit later, 6 AM, to eat breakfast and then make our way down to the train to catch to Aguas Calientes. The town of Aguas Calientes is at the bottom of Machu Picchu mountain and the closest one can get to Machu Picchu without paying from $800-$1000 a night to stay right next to Machu Picchu. The bus ride from Aguas Calientes up was only about 20 minutes.
We arrived in Machu Picchu around 11 AM and were guided around the agricultural center as well as the peasant housing. After lunch we re-entered the grounds to see the astronomical centers, the quarry from where all the rocks were carved and made into walls, and the religious centers. It was a full day.
Tomorrow, the 4th of July, we will be going back to Machu Picchu to climb Huayna Picchu, which means "new mountain" in Quechua. In the pictures of Machu Picchu it is always the mountain in the background. We will also all be taking the first bus up at 5:30 AM to watch the sunrise over Machu Picchu. It should be breathtaking!