Today we started before the sun so the porters could make the first train back to the start of the trail. Unfortunately the only way into Machu Picchu town or "Aguas Calientes" is by train and it is privately owned. They do not want the porters riding with the tourists so they are only allowed to take the first train down of the day when the train goes back empty after bringing people up. It leaves at 6 am. We had to wait for about an hour and half after the first 20 minutes of walking for the passport checkpoint to open up at 6. Its a sad system. They were checkpoints all along the way we had to clear with our guides because the Inca trail is highly regulated now. You cannot do it without a guide, permit and they have to make sure you don't stay behind in the forest. The sunrise as we descended into Machu Picchu valley was beautiful. After crossing the sun gate to watch the sun hit Machu Picchu we toured for about an hour and then headed to our hotel for a shower and more food! We hit the hot springs that night and had a great sleep since the next day we were headed back up for more hiking :D.
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