Sun Gate Hike

Wednesday we were up at 4:30am, the rain was pouring down and we were doubtful there would be a sunrise to see! We packed our bags- even though we had an 11am checkout we weren't going to take a chance that we would be late and have to rush back. After eating a quick breakfast at the buffet we checked out and left our bags at the hotel and started the trek down hill to the bus stop.  We quickly happened on the line as it was half way up the hill already.  The first bus leaves at 5:30am, and we were there at 5:20.  We stood on the pouring rain with a few hundred other people and thought "wow this is going to be horrible"  Luckily we all had raincoats- but Frank decided to buy the girls ponchos too as it was really pouring down. The line moved really fast and we made it on the 5:40 bus for the switch back up the mountain- this time in the pouring rain- the driver had only a tiny area that he could actually see out of the fogged up window. We made it to the top and there were people everwhere- line ups for toilets, to get in and just lineups.  We dodged and weaved and made our way to the entrance- the rain had lifted by this time and we entered the citadel under a cloudy sky with the sun ring to peak through.  The magic of the site took our breath away again- not sure you could ever get rid of the majestic feeling seeing it.  We climbed to the watch tower and by this time the sun had risen- but it was behind clouds we reached the peak and the rays hit us!  What a view to enjoy for a while!  We had decided to hike to the Sun Gate this morning- it looked pretty tame- but quite steep.  Off we headed- the entire uphill climb was beautiful- difficult at this high altitude, but spectacular.  The entire time we were climbing up we were passing trekkers who were entering the Citadel form the Sun Gate- the 4 day Inca trail ends at the Sun Gate and that is the first view one gets of this majestic site.  About an hour later- we made it- dripping in sweat as the sun was out in full force at this point. The Sun Gate- what a view!  The Machu Picchu citadel lies before you and the mountains are magical and high and just so stunning.  We stayed, admired and then started the long hike back- which should have been easier except so many steps you have to be so careful not to trip (well maybe that's just me)! We made it down a lot faster than we did up and sat around again admiring the view.  We wandered around the ruins for a while longer- they seemed really busy today - then we overheard a guide telling her group that they were at capacity today. (The limit is 2500 apparently).
After our morning we were ready to leave- there was no line up and we caught a bus down and back to the village in no time.  Back in town we were in search of lunch/brunch (which is really not a thing here.)  We found a place called Julianes that had good reviews and they had breakfasts.  The girls had the buffet and Frank and I ordered the omelettes and toast- his was supposed to be with ham.  Well ours were both the same meal- even though they charged us for a ham omelet.  Communication is really tough, the Peruvian's nod and continue to talk to you in Spanish even though you tell them no Spanish, they continue to hope that you will at some point just get what they are saying. After lunch we had a few hours to kill before our train ride- we headed up to the hotel and hung out in the lobby for a couple of hours as we were all exhausted.  Picking up our bags we headed into town- browsed the markets and stores - all the while being coaxed into restaurants or  being asked if we wanted a massage! We found a great coffee shop- had our last tray and coffee of the day and then it was off to the train station.  Our train was Expedition Train No. 34 at 3:20- we boarded and enjoyed the sunny, gentle rocking, train ride back to Ollantaytambo- 2.5 hours later.  We were created by our ride and onto the private bus for the almost 2 hour more ride back to Cusco. Arriving in Cusco we were back at the Royal Inka 2 (even had the same room).  A quick refresh and out for dinner- I had read great reviews about the Inkazuela restaurant- so off we where on the hunt for it- hidden away on one of the tiny streets of Cusco we found it!  I ordered the Beef Chili stew and Frank the Belizian stew- the girls ordered nachos.  A truly delicious  dinner- just way too much food to possibly eat.  Back to hotel and to repack again.  This time we had to pack for 4 days in the jungle.