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The Amazing New Adventures of Larry and Mark - Peru, Land of the Incas
The Sun Gate
The Sun Gate entry point from the Inca Road is continuous all the way from and
past Cusco. It is the first view the Incas had of Machu Picchu on entry to this valley.
Mary, one of the members of our team, is pointing out the
Inca trail leading down to Machu Picchu from the Sun Gate.
Several of our team, including Lynn, Wanda, Ken, Dr. DeTora, and Dr. Field
climbed up to the Sun Gate, along with Marcia, our assistant guide who is
Willow's sister. I chose to stay back to explore more of
Machu Picchu and to be ready to take photos of the mountain team
climbing the peak (coming soon.)
Parts of their climb looked like a walk in the park.
But the view opened up very quickly down below. You get a very
clear view of how steep the peak of Wayna Picchu is. Our youth
team is climbing this right now.
With this photo, you get a good feel for how isolated the city
is from the valley below, and you see the auto road snaking
up the mountain. It's hard to imagine how the Inca built a trail
up the side of Wayna Picchu in the background.
Trail is a little rougher here.......You were hoping maybe this railing would hold you?
Don't look down! And the Inca messengers ran these trails!
They made it! Altitude of 2720m is only 8800 feet, but it looks higher.
At the gate, a stop for a photo op.
Intipunku or Sun Gate has two large stones that correspond
to the winter and summer solstices, and on these dates the
gates are illuminated directly by sunlight.
Next: On to the Watchman's Hut.
Larry Reich
You may reach me with comments:
Laurence Reich
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On to chapter 40