A First Visit To Machu Picchu
I have been traveling through South America for the last 8 years and consider myself relatively well versed in LATAM.
Last Updated on November 19, 2022 by James Bustamante
Deciding to travel can be very random when your life keeps you busy. That was my point of view when I decided to go out there and plan my visit to Machu Picchu.
How It All Started
A quarter to five, all I could think about was clicking out of my computer, pressing that god blessed elevator button, taking my car out of the crowded car park, and driving away to that peaceful sanctuary called home.
Ten minutes into my unconscious state of mind, plenty of outrageous billing statements, errands, and daily duties bombarded my peaceful domain.
I pondered if it was possible to feel my soul at ease and my mind at peace. These ideas are conquering my mind about taking a break from this hustling city life, these architecturally engineered giants blocking the view of luscious land once covered in evergreen trees and rich lakes. Indeed a love-hate relationship, but at this point, it was more like an evil and human connection to my bank account.
However, something magical was about to take me to indescribable sensations, and by this, I mean an entire state of peace and the recovery of my spirit and body. I was about to embark on my visit t Machu Picchu.
Finding What You Are Searching For
Being an early traveler in the New York subway, seats are no problem, and sure enough, in the empty seat beside me, a vacation brochure highlighting what they described as “Visit Machu Picchu for a magical adventure .” It was a higher force convincing me that I needed to take this five-night, six-day vacation, which was very affordable!
After four hours at the office reviewing emails and convincing myself that audit accountants don’t take vacations, again, that higher force was more than me! A couple of clicks later, I was on my way to Peru with a pair of new trekking boots and a dozen new pairs of socks packed in my 65-pound bag.
My Arrival in Peru
Eight hours later, I arrived in Lima, where I spent one night at a hotel on the airport premises. Unfortunately, I didn’t visit this city; however, I will take a tour on my next trip to Peru. My plane for a visit to Machu Picchu departed early in the morning. My flight was colored by a view of the Andes, extensions of mountains and lakes that pumped my body’s adventurous state of mind. A short flight later, I arrived in Cusco.
I received an incredible infusion of coca leaves to help with altitude sickness. The ancient people of Peru used coca leaves “the Incas,” among many other cultures, used these plants to help alleviate altitude sickness.
The Magical City of Cusco
Cusco is 3399 mt above sea level, so I considered them my best Friends during the first two days of y trip.
My first stop was Santo Domingo Church. I was overwhelmed by the artwork and highly preserved structures—quite a spiritually humbling experience. The people in Cuzco were so friendly, and my guide Julio was just the best.
After our stop at Santo Domingo Church, we went to The Sacred Valley.
Thirty kilometers to the North of Cuzco, I was mesmerized by a beautiful ancient city called CHINCHERO. A beautiful church settled between two levels of land surrounded by Andenes. The inhabitants of Chinchero were amicable. I was surprised to see they still dress in uniquely colorful clothes like their ancestors.
Another great stop was at the Salinas. Never had I stopped to think that salt is not a product made by man but that mother earth provides it!
Thermal, hot salt water flowed out of the mountain and was caught in small traps. When the water evaporated, the salt was shoveled into containers for use and export. Our Final stop for the day was Ollantaytambo. I checked into a beautiful hotel that resembled a Swiss chalet, out of this world!
The view was breathtaking! I climbed 250 steps to the top of these ancient ruins. The feeling of being one with the earth was terrific.
Julio, my guide throughout this experience, suggested I try the local beer. If I said Cuzco is magical; their drinks step up to the plate. Three slices of Stone oven pizza later, I was off to bed, ready for our next adventure to Aguas Calientes.
Finally Heading to Aguas Calientes
After tasting the local bread and freshly roasted coffee Julio and I were on our way to the railroad station. Our two-hour journey to Aguas Calientes was over the top. The Window view from our train of the Urubamba River alongside the railroad was just breathtaking.
After checking into my hotel, Julio, my guide, and I headed for lunch; across the street, a small restaurant offered a delicious stir-fried beef pattern called “Lomo Saltado” I highly recommend this dish. I will be making it back home! I quickly found out AGUAS CALIENTES was celebrating their patron saint. A colorful band marched along with people drinking and eating long into the night.
Onward To Machu Picchu
We were awakened at 4:30 in the morning and taken to the bus station, where we would take a thirty-minute ride up the mountain.
We were there by sunrise. It was a magical moment for my mind. An image powerfully imprinted in every corner of my brain. The architectural skills of these ancient inhabitants had me in awe. I sat there for about an hour watching Machu Picchu and all its dramatic surroundings, appreciating and contemplating the incredible energy this monster irradiates.
The connection between mother earth, the sun, and water was impressive. It was an instant liberation for me and the rest of us, visitors to this fantastic land. I can assure you that an experience like no other will have you in touch with all your senses. Finally, all my mind, body, and spirit had been looking for, I found in Cuzco.
This was an experience I will never forget. Mesmerized to the last bit of my body, I promised to return. This trip and the visit to Machu Picchu were worth every penny spent. I was ready to return to my routine; however, I was a new, renovated human being.
