The town here is a frequent launch point for Machu Picchu, typically there's a train leaving to the top of the mountain a couple times a day. Last couple months however there's been great rains as we are exiting the rainy season - and the train route has been washed out. SO, when we get to the top at the end of the week, there's unlikely to be the typical swarm of tourists that would be there otherwise. Exciting for us who are hiking up!
Hiking is regulated by permit on the trail, and was closed in February and March, but just opened in April. 500 people a day are issued permits, the cost is usually $500 on up - and the permit issuing company is also a guide on the trail and carries cooking supplies and food, tents, most of what you need. All we are required to carry is sleeping bag, water and clothes. So we'll be in the first few thousand people to see Maccu Picchu in 2010 - there's also been rumors of Peru closing the hiking trail permanently some day - the impact to the natural state of the trail of having tourism hikes is taking it's toll over the years.
Tomorrow off to river raft. Might not capture many pictures, don't want to bring my camera and lose or dunk it! Playing scrabble tonight in my hostel with my travel mates, then turning in early to catch up on sleep from the trip over.
