Machu Picchu was the pinnacle of my Peru trip, which also included Lima, Cusco and The Sacred Valley. The latter destinations are definitively unique in their own rights however Machu Picchu is set apart. It is probably the most amazing urban creation of the Inca Empire.
How does one put into words a sight that is so awe-inspiring? A sight when viewed with the eyes and then combined with its history, mystery and ancient people, is indescribable? This is Machu Picchu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
My brain knew what to expect, I thought, as I’ve seen a hundred photos over the years. What I wasn’t prepared for was the unbelievable ancient ruins, occupied for only a century-and-a-quarter. The logic questions kick in first, and weren’t easy to push aside: how was it built, why was it built, and how is it that Machu Picchu was only discovered in 1911? An excellent guide can help to sort through some of these mysteries. The rest have to be left to wonder.
If possible, an itinerary should include space and time for reflection, away from the crowds also hoping to experience personal nirvana. The natural setting, on the eastern slopes of the Andes, encompasses the upper Amazon Basin, and is also a star player in the overall encounter.
If not hiking the Inca Trail, where one would arrive early morning through the Sun Gate at the ruins, be sure to spend an overnight in Aquas Calientes, known by the locals as Machu Picchu Pueblo. This modern day high-altitude jungle village is cut off from all roads and enclosed by stone cliffs. It’s also the jumping off point for the 20-minute switch-back bus transport up to Machu Picchu. Access to Aguas Calientes is by train, traditionally from Cusco or Ollantaytambo, about 4hrs and 2hrs, respectively. The overnight in Aguas Calientes allows travelers to catch one of the first buses of the morning, experiencing Machu Picchu at sunrise, in relative peace and quiet.
This was my plan, but unfortunately there were factors beyond our control: a country-wide strike and a broken down train. I made it to Machu Picchu with several afternoon hours to explore and reflect. That was good, very very good. –Rochelle, October 2015
MACHU PICCHU WONDER
Machu Picchu was the pinnacle of my Peru trip, which also included Lima, Cusco and The Sacred Valley. The latter destinations are definitively unique in their own rights however Machu Picchu is set apart. It is probably the most amazing urban creation of the Inca Empire.
How does one put into words a sight that is so awe-inspiring? A sight when viewed with the eyes and then combined with its history, mystery and ancient people, is indescribable? This is Machu Picchu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
My brain knew what to expect, I thought, as I’ve seen a hundred photos over the years. What I wasn’t prepared for was the unbelievable ancient ruins, occupied for only a century-and-a-quarter. The logic questions kick in first, and weren’t easy to push aside: how was it built, why was it built, and how is it that Machu Picchu was only discovered in 1911? An excellent guide can help to sort through some of these mysteries. The rest have to be left to wonder.
If possible, an itinerary should include space and time for reflection, away from the crowds also hoping to experience personal nirvana. The natural setting, on the eastern slopes of the Andes, encompasses the upper Amazon Basin, and is also a star player in the overall encounter.
If not hiking the Inca Trail, where one would arrive early morning through the Sun Gate at the ruins, be sure to spend an overnight in Aquas Calientes, known by the locals as Machu Picchu Pueblo. This modern day high-altitude jungle village is cut off from all roads and enclosed by stone cliffs. It’s also the jumping off point for the 20-minute switch-back bus transport up to Machu Picchu. Access to Aguas Calientes is by train, traditionally from Cusco or Ollantaytambo, about 4hrs and 2hrs, respectively. The overnight in Aguas Calientes allows travelers to catch one of the first buses of the morning, experiencing Machu Picchu at sunrise, in relative peace and quiet.
This was my plan, but unfortunately there were factors beyond our control: a country-wide strike and a broken down train. I made it to Machu Picchu with several afternoon hours to explore and reflect. That was good, very very good. –Rochelle, October 2015