Machu Picchu
Quick Recap: In the previous post, we hopped of the train at a station-less KM 104 to hike a part of the Inca Trail towards Machu Picchu. It felt like we’d gone rogue. Remember those awesome mountains?
We’d slogged our way up to Wiñaywayna, stumbled down to the Sun Gate before sundown, and caught Machu Picchu right before it closed. What a day! And that view. Wow.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BMBmF6ph_Qr/?taken-by=signorinaviaggi
A wonder of the world, of course, requires a revisit the following day. Ahhh, Machu Picchu, I could stare at you for hours. And your mountains – your mountains. Breathtaking.
Photo bombs by llamas and alpacas add to the photogenic-ness of it all.
Overcast skies add drama….
Thick fog, rapidly rolling in, makes the scene cinematic.
Even the trees are camera-ready.
And when the skies clear…no CGI necessary.
Fun fact: 60% of the mountaintop city’s stone structures sit underground, helping to preserve the Peruvian gem’s foundations despite earthquakes and erosion.
*Sun Temple (bottom right) – see the difference between the rough-hewn walls and the smooth ones? This contrast indicates whether the structure was used for royal/religious purposes, or for everyday life. The smooth walls of the circular Sun Temple, in the imperial style, show this was a room for the upper strata.
Although built in the 15th century, Machu Picchu was a mere legend to Westerners before its “discovery” centuries later. Can you imagine having been a native Andean inhabitant, with undisturbed access to this archaeological treasure and its vistas? Let’s take a look at those mountains again.
This Thanksgiving, I’m glad to have made it here, and to yet another UNESCO World Heritage Site. Machu Picchu, I will not be forgetting you soon. Or ever. No, never.
Your photos are so beautiful! I’m seeing Machu Picchu next summer I can’t wait 😍
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Thanks Alesia! It’s easy to take beautiful photos of a beautiful place. Have so much fun next year! You’ll love it. If you need any travel tips, just reach out. :)
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Wow! stunning photos!
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Thank you! It was an amazing experience.
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Such a lovely vista! :-)
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And I still can’t get over the loveliness!
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Going in May! How did you book the trail? Want to do the long one!
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We went via an agency (highly recommend Valencia Travel!) to make things easier – they took care of permits, transportation, meals, hotel in Aguas Calientes, an awesome guide named Nico. Even if you’re doing the 7-day trek (are you into camping?), you’re in good hands. Permits cap out though, so you’ll probably want to get a head start. Hope that helps!
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A rainbow on Machu Picchu!!!
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nice! mystical place
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Thanks! Yeah, they say there’s an energy about the place. You’ll see people holding onto the mountainsides and murmuring prayers.
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this is such a wonderful post! I love M.P. one of the nicest places I have ever been.<3
Thank you for sharing. :-)
Best regards from Norway,
Dina
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Thank you, Dina! The post practically put itself together. I love MP too – excuse me while I drift off in a reverie….
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Great Post! Hope to visit Peru soon!
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Thanks Christine! Hope you’ll enjoy it as much as I did. Sending you Peruvian travel vibes!
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