We began day 3 of the trail. Today was much easier than yesterday, however the steep steps down caught up with us, and walking began to hurt! We were supposed to walk half a day and then camp, only going to Machu Picchu on January 1st. However, we made good time and Jhonathan suggested continuing on to see Machu Picchu that afternoon itself, and staying in a hostel in the town of Aquas Calientes. We could celebrate NYE with some pisco sours and then visit Machu Picchu again on the 1st.
We readily agreed, seeing Machu Picchu twice? No question there. Additionally, because of the mist, there was a chance that we'd reach the Sun Gate on the 1st and not see a thing. Since today was lovely weather, we'd definitely get a good view.
So we continued on. Lots of up and down until the final climb to the sun gate. Once I finally made it to the top, I was in awe. There are certain scenes that take your breath away, and after literally not having any breath left in me, looking out over Machu Picchu was just one of the best things I've seen.
Sitting at the Sun Gate looking at this most magnificent piece of history, I thought to myself, I would never believe that I would ever spend my New Year's Eve looking out at the Lost City.
Many pictures later, we walked downhill for another hour and a half before finally reaching the site. I looked at the tourists there with their fancy cameras and clothes and make up and thought, you don't know the half of it. I completed the Inka trail to get here, and that means so much more.
We passed an American family and they were wearing "Hike or die" tshirts that inspired the post title.
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