Morning Meditation at Machu Picchu

Wherever I travel, whether it is Grand Canyon or Cayucos, I always try to watch the Sunrise and/or Sunset at the location. For months, I had been looking forward to watch the Sunrise at Machu Picchu.  From Aguas Calientes, the first bus to Machu Picchu leaves at 5:30 AM. The gates to Machu Picchu opens at 6 AM.

I got up at 4:30, had my coffee at the Hatun Inti Hotel (where we were staying) and headed to the bus stop, which was right across from the Hotel. I was thinking/hoping that there won't be many crazy people like me and I would get in to the first bus to Machu Picchu. To my astonishment, there were around 70 people at the bus stop.  Nothing to worry since there were already 5 buses lined up and I was able to get in to the third bus.

6/16/2014, 5:08 AM
Aguas Calientes. The crowd to catch the first early morning bus to Machu Picchu

6:00 AM
At Machu Picchu entrance.

6:17 AM
I was expecting lot of early morning fog and clouds. Again to my surprise, there was very little fog.

6:26 AM

7:13 AM
Though the Sunrise was at 6:09 AM, by the time the Sun cleared the near by mountain peaks, it was around 7:10 AM. 

7:20 AM

7:22 AM
As the Sun rose slowly,  section by section, the Machu Picchu ruins were getting illuminated by the Sunlight.

7:23 AM
The Sun fully came out and lit up Machu Picchu; more and more crowds started arriving.
I packed up my tripod and camera and started walking "backwards" towards the exit,
fully taking in the magnificent view and unable to leave the place I waited for 4 years to visit :)

For me, this is an exhilarating morning meditation worth experiencing at the mystical and magical Machu Picchu.