The day we were supposed to visit Machu Picchu, we woke up at 3 a.m. Our early start had a lot to do with climbing Huayna Picchu, the iconic mountain seen in many Machu Picchu photos. By around 3:45 a.m., we were ready to go, having packed the night before. We stopped by the Inkaterra reception to pick up a specially prepared breakfast, knowing we’d be leaving so early.
To reach Machu Picchu, you can either walk for two hours or take a 30-minute bus ride. We thought the bus was the easier option, but despite its 6 a.m. departure, you have to line up for hours to catch it. We arrived at 4 a.m. to secure our spot, considering we had traveled so far. To our surprise, the line was already wrapped around the block several times! So, there we stood in the pouring rain, waiting for the bus.
The rain was intense, unlike the wind-driven rain we’re used to in the UK and Europe. Here, it felt like being pelted with small pebbles. Fortunately, our excitement about seeing one of the world’s wonders kept our spirits high. We had come prepared with waterproof gear and even bought ponchos from local sellers, so we stayed dry. We did worry a bit about exploring Machu Picchu in such weather, but there was nothing we could do about it.
Amazingly, as soon as we arrived at Machu Picchu, the rain stopped, and the sun began to peek through the clouds as we entered. We couldn’t believe our luck! You don’t need to wait long to see the stunning citadel. It’s right there, but you should take a path to the left and climb a bit to get an incredible view.
Seeing Machu Picchu in person totally lives up to all the hype! It may seem like you’ve seen it countless times online, but being there is something else entirely. We had lots of laughs trying to take serious pictures while capturing thousands of similar shots.
It was breathtaking! The clouds over Huayna Picchu in the background added to the awe. We eventually went down into the citadel for a closer look.
It’s astonishing to think that people lived here centuries ago, creating such a complex and remarkable place. It makes you realize the incredible things humans can achieve across the world, not just in wealthy areas often highlighted in movies.
Thinking about the lives of the people who once lived there is fascinating. Imagine them going about their daily routines, talking with neighbors, having fun with family, and living their lives in the 1400s.
Anyway, back to our adventure. After exploring the citadel, we faced a new challenge—climbing Huayna Picchu. The climb would be tough, with parts leaving us breathless due to the high altitude and thin air. However, what awaited us was one of the most astonishing views of Machu Picchu. The thought of tackling Huayna Picchu was both thrilling and nerve-wracking. But that’s a story for another day…
