August 29, 2023–
IMG guide Tyler Nachand reports that after a comfortable night at the hotel in Agua Calientes, the team headed back up to the Machu Picchu citadel this morning to further explore the site and also to climb the adjoining rocky peak of Huayna Picchu. This is a steep climb, ascending steps carved out of the stone. It is wildly spectacular and provides an entirely different view of Machu Picchu, looking back along the high ridge of the Inca Trail approach which the team followed for the past four days.
Machu Picchu with the rocky peak of Huayna Picchu in the background (Eric Simonson)
After wrapping up their Machu Picchu visit the team descended back to Agua Calientes for lunch. Later today they will be catching the train back to Ollantaytambo, and then continuing to Cusco by vehicle.  It’s not over till its over, but we’re getting closer. Well done team!
Looking back at Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail from the summit of Huayna Picchu (Eric Simonson)
Steep steps on the ascent of Huayna Picchu (Tyler Nachand)
Steeps steps on the descent of Hauyna Picchu (Tyler Nachand)
View from the train heading down the Urabamba River to Cusco (Eric Simonson)