MACHU PICCHU: THE LOST CITY OF THE INCAS

After several days of acclimatization in Cusco – essential for adjusting to the altitude (7,900 ft/2400 m) – we set off to discover one of the New Seven Wonders of the World: Machu Picchu. This 15th-century Inca citadel, hidden in the clouds at 7,970 ft/2400 m), wasn’t revealed to the outside world until 1911 when Hiram Bingham brought it to global attention.

Three Paths to the Sacred City

  • The 4-Day Inca Trail ($100) – For true trekking enthusiasts. This challenging route (especially on day two) winds through breathtaking mountain passes, past the ruins of Wiñay Wayna and through Inti Punku (Sun Gate). Locals believe completing this journey is a spiritual initiation. Tour operators provide tents and meals, and the views make every step worthwhile.
  • The 2-Day Trail Option ($70) – A shortened version that offers just a taste of the full experience. We chose this option and later wished we’d gone for the complete trek.
  • Train + Bus Combo – The most comfortable option from Cusco to Aguas Calientes, then by bus to the summit. Perfect for those with limited time or health considerations.
Machu Picchu

Under the Andean Stars: A Night to Remember

Our adventure began at kilometer 104 of the famous railway route. We spent the night in tents, listening to the sounds of the jungle awakening around us. At 4 AM, by flashlight, we began our ascent toward Inti Punku. As the morning mist lifted, we were rewarded with a view that steals your breath – Machu Picchu in all its glory, surrounded by spectacular terraces and the peaks of Wayna Picchu and Montana Machu Picchu.

Entering the ruins ($30) is an experience beyond words. It’s the only site in the Americas that can rival Mexico’s Teotihuacan or Guatemala’s Tikal. The stone structures, precisely fitted together without mortar, stand as testament to the incredible skill of Inca builders.

Machu Picchu view from Inti Punku
The first breathtaking view from Sun Gate

Unfortunately, our guide’s limited English meant many of Machu Picchu’s secrets remained mysteries to us. We recommend choosing reputable tour companies with certified guides. Our train journey back to Cusco ($25) through the Sacred Valley offered time for reflection and more stunning Andean landscapes.

Machu Picchu stone architecture
The precision of Inca stonework

Did you know? Machu Picchu isn’t just an archaeological site – it’s still a living place of worship. Ceremonies honoring Pachamama (Mother Earth) continue here, especially during the winter solstice (June 21). Many believe the stone walls hold the energy of ancestors.