Eventually we reach the famous "Sun Gate" where we see Machu Picchu for the first time. It's in the shadow of a mountain to our right, but as the sun (which is behind us) rises then Machu Picchu is gradually illuminated by sunlight. Those rascally Incas knew how to put on a good show!
From the Sun Gate we descend to Machu Picchu (2,430m).
I was expecting only a few hundred trekkers to be at the site, but it's swarming with busloads of tourists. Reuben took the group on a 2hr tour. Then we rushed off to Aguas Calientes for a quick lunch, just in time to catch the train back to Cuzco! To me this was a botched ending to the trek.
The four girls on the Lares Trek (which finished the day before) came up to Machu Picchu by bus and did a tour as well.
All up, the Inca Trail was the highlight for me. I felt like I was participating in something, rather than being just a spectator (or shopper).
