my friend and i ran into machu pichu on the last day of our hike to the ruins. we climbed huayna pichu in 30 minutes (the large peak usually in the background of machu pichu pics) and were at the top for 15-30 minutes before anyone arrived at the ruins. lucky for us, we were acclimated to the altitude after being in cusco for the summer. it was the most amazingly peaceful experience to overlook the ruins in such complete silence and serenity. it wasn't on the first day of the year, though! :)
[ tshirt wish: "Seismologists: Always Ready to Rumble"]