This morning a group of us hiked up Huayna Picchu (aka the “Stairs of Death”). The bus took us up to Machu Picchu and we walked through part of the park to the control station.

We signed in for the hike at 7:25. We were fortunate as the trail was in the shade most of the way up and back. As promised, there were spectacular views of Machu Picchu and the surrounding Andes mountains.

We reached the top – a 750’ elevation gain – about 9:00.

The climb down was not quite as difficult. We signed out at the station at 10:20 – just under 3 hours round trip.

On our way of of the park we saw the Condor Temple. Natural rock formations form the body and wings.

We had lunch in Aquas Calientes, then made our way to Cusco by train and bus. They celebrated a tour member’s birthday on the train.