At 4:30am the alarm on my cellphone went off as I laid there staring at it. I hadn’t slept at all. I was just waiting with restless anticipation. The girls and I got dressed quick and met Juan Carlos in the lobby to set out into the darkness. It was day 4 of our trip and this was the final push to Machu Picchu.
My adrenaline rushed as we passed a handful of other groups leading up to the trailhead from Aguas Calientes. Within 15 minutes into the hike I found myself alone, flying up the mountain, like I was 13 again, running down the stairs on Christmas morning. Only this time, the stairs were steep, wet, rocks that led straight up and there was over a thousand of them.
Sweaty, tired and excited, I reached the main gate just before 5:40am. The doors opened at 6, so I waited impatiently as other hikers trickled in, followed by tour bus after tour bus.
The morning was cloudy and rainy, but it couldn’t hide the incredible feeling I got when I saw that big beautiful bastard for the first time. It was quiet, mysterious, and felt so weird to actually be standing there.
After about an hour tour of the grounds with Juan Carlos, he bid us farewell and I split with the girls to hike up Huayna Picchu (or Waynapicchu, is the big mountain you see behind Machu Picchu). The 35-minute hike was steep and intense, but the view down was breathtaking. You could see Machu Picchu and all it’s dramatic surroundings. I sat up there for about an hour watching the fog roll in and out, just trying absorbing and appreciating the moment.
By the time I made my way back down Huayna Picchu, people had already started clearing out as the weather didn’t cooperate with their plans. I ducked into one of the many old doorways, watching and waiting as the rain washed everybody away.
By 2pm, the clouds cleared and so did the crowd. It was like the Picch was just testing the resilience of people… “Amazing is worth sticking it out for.” Life lesson?
For the next 2 hours I virtually had the whole place to myself. The sun was shining and it felt great on my cold, wet face. I walked around silently, soaking it all in…
Before the time came to leave, I made my way to the main entrance to Machu Picchu from the Inca Trail known as the Sun Gate. It’s another 35-40 minute hike (mostly flat) to get there but it provides a different look at the Picchu that is equally as stunning as all the rest.
I walked back from the Sun Gate and stole one last glimpse of Machu Picchu just as the afternoon sun illuminated the ruins beautifully.
I was one of the first ones on the mountain in the morning and made sure I was one of the last ones to leave for the day. Feeling so fortune and overwhelmed by the whole experience I made my way down to Aguas Calientes and met up with the girls just in time to catch the train back to Cusco.
As the train left the station, we popped the bottle of champagne I had been carrying with me throughout the trek to celebrate our day and this unforgettable experience.
I wish I could have shared this experience with friends and family. I will definitely back again one day.
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Before visiting Machu Picchu, read “The Celestine Prophecy” by James Redfield.
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16 Responses
Awesome post! This has been on my list of places to go before I die for a loooong time. You’ve done an excellent job capturing the spirit (as much as can be captured in pictures and words). Two Big thumbs up!!
Paula recently posted..Traveling Yogi & Roller-Skating Queen
Thanks Paula! I admit, I was a little intimidated about creating this post because I don’t know if the words or photos really capture the feeling. You’ll just have to go see it for yourself : )
this is one of the reasons i’d love to go Peru.. Machu Picchu is really amazing.. i would love to experience this someday.. putting this on my travel bucket list.. 😉
rdsean recently posted..El Gamma Penumbra Choose Philippines for Fun
Ya gotta do it man. Definitely bucket list worthy.
Great post & brilliant photos – anything with llamas is good in my book. Although the thought of the trek up there terrifies me (I’m deathly scared of heights) – there’s no way you’d get me up Huayna Picchu. Think I’d be quite content simply playing Indiana Jones in the ruins! 🙂
Waegook Tom recently posted..Crocuses in Harrogate
Fare enough Tom, it was a little sketchy at certain points, but well worth it.
Did you stay in Aguas Calientes the night before you went up? Which hotel, and was it decent? did you have to get a licence for your entry to the ruins, or did you just buy your ticket at 6am an enter?
The highlights provide a significant archaeologica scene of Machu Picchu. I have explore the beautiful lanscapes here.
Yes I agree, you’ve posted awesome photos and lots of interesting things to note when traveling to Peru. One thing that resonates with everyone I know who has been says it really does pay to do your homework as there are so many places and experiences to choose from (and miss if you don’t know all the little side ventures you can take). Lots of local eateries with delicious food and little hideaways to explore 🙂
Mia G Peru Adventures Writer recently posted..Peruvian Food You Can’t Miss on Your Machu Picchu Trip
looks like you had a great time in Peru and Machu Picchu ,I’m a peruvian guide and i will like to reccoment to all people who read this article to make sure to have entrance fee to Machu Picchu and Train tickets (book in advance) as a tour guide I saw a lot of people having problems whith those things.
for more info : http://www.inkaltitude.com
thanks to visit Peru
Jes – Rob,These photos are amaizng. I can’t imagine what it was like to see all of that with your own eyes. Thanks for sharing with us! Would love to hear more about your trip, although these pictures really do speak for themselves. Great work!
Hah! seems like I was not the only one to experience some rain and fog. But you know what? I did not mind…most of the other tourists seemed to take cover…but to me the ruins were just as beautiful! And your pictures are more than enough proof of that!
Awesome post Gareth! I travel but never been to Machu Picchu, it looks totally awesome, would love to see 🙂
Wow! Looks wonderful, even with the clouds and rain. I had my trip to Peru planned, but the pandemic came, and I had to cancel. 🙁