Main Gate of Machu Picchu, at the end of the Inca Trail

Before sunrise one morning Nile and Abby climbed up from the Tourist Entrance to the Guardhouse to reach the Inca Trail. They hiked on the Trail for about one mile to experience the higher elevation environment and to admire the Trail's construction. They then returned to the Main Gate.

They met weary but exhilarated trekkers on the Trail who had traveled the difficult route which starts between Machu Picchu and Cuzco. It took the hikers four days and nights to reach the Main Gate. Nile and Abby had reached the city by train and bus from Cuzco, about a five hour trip.

At the Main Gate one can see the city wall. Steps next to the wall follow down a long dry moat which is an important main water drain. This drainage trench separates the agricultural sections from the urban sections of the city.