After the train, we took a bus up to MP, and checked into The Belmond Sanctuary Lodge.  That afternoon we had a tour of the Citadel.  Seeing it for the first time, surrounded by those enormous mountains, was incredible. Our tour with Sergio was amazing, just like back in Cusco- he made history come alive.  As for touring the Citadel – I’ve had some questions asking how hard this is, and I think that anyone who could climb a few flights of stairs could do it.  That night we had dinner back at the Sanctuary Lodge, and the next morning JB went to hike huayna picchu.  That’s the most difficult hike at MP.  His watch said he climbed 82 floors.  Then he came back, and we went on the Inca Bridge hike.  This is an easy hike, but JB said this one scared him a little more because there was such steep heights with no rails.  Then we came back and both had massages at the lodge.   Then it was time to go home and have dinner on the Hiram Bingham Train.

I can’t imagine the sense of accomplishment and how I would appreciate this beauty, having hiked to see it for a few days via the Inca trail.  That is definitely one way to do it, and I know people who have really enjoyed that.  For me, I was happy just to see Machu Picchu with my husband and walk the citadel, and do an easy hike.  But I have TONS of respect for people that hike all the way here!

As for what to wear if you go – I think it depends on what hikes you end up doing.  I could have worn tretorns and jeans with the hikes I did.  But if you are doing HP you would definitely want some hiking shoes or tennis shoes with very good tread, and workout clothes.  Layers are nice because it can get warm!