Machu Picchu Chronicles: Highs, Lows, and A Journey to the Clouds

The next key destination of our trip was Machu Picchu. Strategically located deep in the Peruvian Andes, this historic citadel was built by the ninth Inca Emperor Pachacutec as a retreat for the aristocracy. Although Machu Picchu is now famously known as one of UNESCO's World Heritage Sites, there was a time in Peru's history when it was abandoned and forgotten. It was only in 1911 when it was (more popularly) rediscovered by the American explorer, Professor Hiram Bingham. Yes, that Bingham after whom Peru's luxury train is named.

When a two-day Inca Trail hike to Machu Picchu was presented, the only question I had was if it meant camping in the mountains. I am by no means an outdoorsy person and a terrible vertical hiker, so adding in the absence of indoor plumbing or actual beds made me very uneasy, to say the least. Thankfully, my patient friend assured me (several times) that we would spend the night at a proper hotel. And so, I agreed and started prepping what I needed for the hike.

Travel Tidbits

• Meaning of "Machu Picchu": In Quechua, its literal meaning is "ancient/old mountain." The Incas believed that their gods were manifested in forms of natural sacred sites or "huacas," such as mountain peaks ("apu"), rivers, caves, lakes, temples, and shrines.

• Elevation: 7,710 ft. above sea level

• Our stops: Inca trail, Sun Gate, Machu Picchu Ruins, Agua Caliente

• Our hotel: Casa del Sol in Agua Caliente

• Our mode of local travel: c/o Alpaca Expeditions - Peru Rail, shuttle (to and from Machu Picchu)

• Important travel tips: If opting for one of the treks, pack light and only the necessities, as you'll be carrying it throughout the hike. Wear appropriate hiking attire, especially shoes, as the path to Machu Picchu may not be entirely smooth. Be prepared for rugged and steep terrains, climbing over rocks horizontally and vertically. Depending on the time of year, bring sunscreen and insect repellent.

After a bout of altitude sickness earlier in the trip, anxiety built as the hike approached. Adhering to the emergency doctor's prescriptions, consuming water voraciously, and keeping my backpack light became priorities to ease the ascent.

At 6 am, our Alpaca Expeditions guide met us on the Ollantaytambo train platform. The train journey to our starting point was accompanied by a sense of quiet anticipation among our diverse group of 14 travelers. Upon reaching our stop, the reality of the impending challenge set in. Everything became real.

The Highs... and The Lows

While a comprehensive recount of every moment and accompanying feeling is tempting, detailing each instance risks transforming this into a diary-esque essay. Instead, I'll share the highs and lows of the experience.

Entering the Sun Gate takes the top spot of my favorite moments. Witnessing our first glimpse of Machu Picchu against the setting sun, after an eight-hour hike, was simply magical—a breathtaking introduction to another world.

The highest point of the site, Guardian House, offered the perfect backdrop for an ephemeral postcard photo with Machu Pichhu. As we captured the scene, two rainbows adorned the sky, believed by the Incas to be a bridge between the earthly realm and the divine—a double blessing.

Touring the ruins was predictably unforgettable, allowing an immersive experience envisioning life during Pachacutec's reign. It showcased the Inca's ingenious engineering mind, earning the international recognition it deserves.

As always, shopping remains one of my everlasting highs. And Agua Caliente does not disappoint. In the heart of its town square is the Mercado de Artesianias boasting rows of vibrant artisan stores waiting to be explored.

As for the lows, there was truly only one — the inclining and sometimes vertical steps, totaling 20,485 (yes, I counted), in the thinning atmosphere. Each breath felt like my lungs were made of stone, and my heart was ready to burst. While I won't delve into the details of each challenging moment, I'll say that every struggle made the first walk through the Sun Gate and the initial photo overlooking Machu Picchu nestled between the Andes mountains all the more rewarding.

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The Scarlett List Verdict: ❤️❤️❤️❤️🤍

As the focal point of our entire trip, Machu Picchu lived up to expectations. It's not just the historical and cultural significance but also the brilliance of Inca engineering that magnificently shines. Walking the actual trail the Incas took, marveling at the enormous stones they brought to the top to construct their emperor's royal retreat, is mind-blowing. However, the journey to the destination, though memorable, required every ounce of energy from this physically unfit traveler. For adventurous souls with Machu Picchu on their bucket lists and pulmonary concerns like mine, make sure to prepare adequately and get excited, as the experience is genuinely worth the journey!

Next up, Cusco!