From Galapagos we returned back to mainland Ecuador and then into Peru via Lima and Cusco before taking the train down the mountain and through the Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu. Though I was certain we would find something unique and magical in the Galapagos, I felt a little less sure about Machu Picchu and was trying to lower our expectations after the amazing first half of our trip when we arrived into the clouds and fog to promptly have our breathes taken away on the switchbacks up the mountain.
Machu Picchu, even with the tourist hoards arriving later each morning, is truly magnificent and beautifully fickle in its shape and texture. You can look at it for hours, and then turn away for 15 seconds, and when you look back its new again; a new personality, tone, vibrance.
The real Machu Picchu experience is only available to those who spend the night and then wake up early the next morning to rescale the sacred site hours before the thousands of visitors. Though the sunrise is basically never seen, you can watch the light fight the mist and suddenly the shapes of the mountains emerge from all sides with rivers as ribbons raging below, while hiking up to the Sun Gate (or if you are really hardcore then up to Huayna Picchu). You can check out all of my selects from the trip at the JLP Archive.
These are gorgeous John! So jealous. I’m trying to decide which one I want a print of.
i sure was upset when i thought you stopped your Blog. i luv IT.
done a lot of photography.. PJ,documentary,weddings and now “art stuff”. your site geat ’cause it ‘aint all glamor BUT logistics mixed with a great eye for photos. You have it.
thanks for continuing..its more work.
Very much appreciated and enjoyed.