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Climbing Huaynu Picchu
An estimated 500 people, mostly of higher social standing, probably lived at Machu Picchu. Thousands more would have been housed nearby.
On one of our three days at the sanctuary, we climbed Huaynu Picchu. We largely followed the original Inca route up the steep mountain. Apparently they weren't big on the idea of switchbacks; they were more inclined to blaze straight up to their objective. I climbed steep staircases hovered by precipitous cliffs and had to squeeze through a tight tunnel.
We passed more terraces along the way. I have difficulty believing natives would climb this high on a regular basis just to tend agricultural plots; perhaps there was some other significance to whatever was planted up there. At the top, there's a stone shrine and perhaps one of the most fabulous views in the entire world.
For a fuller experience, time at Machu Picchu should be complemented by visits to other Incan sites. Ollantaytambo Peru - Pisac Sacred Valley Peru
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