After spending the morning extensively exploring Machu Picchu, we took a bus down the switchbacks to Aguas Calientes. SAS Travel Peru had a lunch planned for us at Hostel Viajeros where Tim and I also had rooms for the night. We were the only two staying to hike Huayna Picchu the next day. You should have seen everyone checking their phones for the first time in a few days. The Wifi Gods have spoken.
Luckily, we still had some time together as a group. We grabbed a drink at Ylla Restaurante near the square, checked out a few shops and then went to the hot springs. The hot springs are where we split up because some of the crew needed to head back to Cusco.
Aguas Calientes Hot Spring 
Hans and Tim 
The hot springs were not what I expected. The water was warm, murky and divided into separate pools. I was imagining clear, hot water but still an experience if you’re in Aguas Calientes. With it being such a small town, there isn’t much else to do. Later that evening we grabbed some Pisco sours and went to bed. I have never in my life been so excited about taking a hot shower. It had been four days! This is something we take for granted back home.
Huayna Picchu is only accessible through the Machu Picchu gates. This was part of our package with SAS Travel Peru so we already had tickets. We walked through Machu Picchu to the Huayna Picchu gate and got in the already formed line. It’s a good thing we arrived early because the line got so long that some people were not granted access. Only a certain number of hikers are allowed on the mountain at one time.
Huayna Picchu was a very strenuous hike! In my opinion, it’s more challenging than the Inca Trail despite only taking an hour to reach the top. Its an uphill battle on tiny stone steps that are 5 inches wide (not wide enough for my big feet.) Do not underestimate this hike! Wear proper footwear and bring plenty of water.
Before you know it you’re above the clouds again. Huayna Picchu has become a popular trek because of the sweeping views of Machu Picchu below. Of course as soon as we reached the top, our view was obstructed by the clouds. The trek to the top was still very rewarding despite not being able to see much. And really we can’t complain because we had wonderful weather for our hike and Machu Picchu visit.
We relaxed at the top for thirty minutes hoping to get a clear shot of Machu Picchu but unfortunately it never happened. The descent is a different route than the way up and this included scaling through a tiny cave! I had to take my backpack off just so I could fit through the cracks. I’m unsure how anyone with a larger body habitus would fit through the narrow hole. It was very roomy once inside.
Tim and I took the bus back to Aguas Calientes for a quick lunch before departing back to Cusco. The Tree House Restaurant was a hidden gem on one of the side streets in town. We had a drink to celebrate all of our accomplishments over the past few days. I am so proud of the mental and physical challenges I was able to overcome. It gave confidence I didn’t have before this journey and I am grateful for that.
I started to not feel well on our train ride back to Cusco and by the time I checked into my room at The Samana Inn & Spa, I was pale, nauseous and shaking uncontrollably. I came to the conclusion that the ice in my Bloody Mary must not have been filtered water. I was super sick for the remainder of the evening and the next day. Of course my flight to Iguazu Falls was the next morning and it was absolutely miserable. I’ve never been so sick in my life. I’m thankful it was over within 24 hours.