For as long as I can remember, going to Machu Picchu has been #1 on my long list of sites to see.  I remember watching documentaries on the History/Discovery Channels and thinking that it was the most magical looking place on Earth.  Its difficult-to-reach, mountainous setting and interesting architecture made it seem more science-fiction than real; therefore, I had to see it! After about 3 years of trying to plan a trip I finally made it…

Getting There

While my original intention was to hike to Machu Picchu for my first time there, I could not pass up the opportunity to go for a free day trip through my work.  My job was to escort 44 medical volunteers on the adventure to ensure that everything went according to plan. The trip began with a 3am bus ride from Cusco to Ollantaytambo where we caught the train to Aguascalientes, the town at the base of Machu Picchu.  From there it was another bus ride up the mountainside until we arrived at the entrance.

First Impressions

Upon entering Machu Picchu for the first time, it was hard to believe just how big and expansive the place was.  Pictures don’t do it justice.  The seemingly endless stone terraces were taller than most people who passed them by, and I felt rather small passing through.  Unfortunately, we did not have much time to soak it all in as we were in a hurry to get to Huaynapicchu mountain before the gates closed at 8:00am.

Huaynapicchu and the Weather

It was cloudy the entire train/bus ride to the site, but we all had hope that the sun would break through and that we would have a lovely day for sightseeing.  Sadly, by the time we all got through the gate to Huaynapicchu the clouds remained, and they even began drizzling on us.  The rain got worse and worse as we climbed higher and higher, and by the time we reached the top we were engulfed in a sea of clouds which denied any hope of glimpsing Machu Picchu below.  It was a little disappointing, to be sure; nevertheless, the hike up and down was very enjoyable and the group of medical volunteers and I kept our spirits high with heaps of witty banter.

The Rainy Tour

After descending Huaynapicchu we met our guide and did a two hour tour of Machu Picchu complete with interesting explanations of the site, historical anecdotes, and a bit of humor thrown in for good measure.  It continued raining consistently, but we were able to leave the clouds behind us and were granted some pretty spectacular views of the site and ample photo opportunities.  Although I would have preferred a sunny day, the misty/cloudy nature of the day did create a slightly mystical, almost supernatural, aura to the site which certainly added its own charms to the day.

Overall

Clearly, it was an amazing day and the trip as a whole is one that everyone should strive to do at least once in their lifetime.  This really is a unique place and worth the time and money to go see.  I would recommend going in the dry season, as I am told by others more fortunate than I that on a sunny day the experience of being there approaches the spiritual.

Next on My Travel List

Oddly enough, Machu Picchu is still #1 on my travel list, but with the caveat that next time I can hike there and that the weather is pleasant.  Aside from that, I really don’t know.  I had wanted to go to Machu Picchu for so long that I never really thought of where I might like to go next.  Perhaps Angkor Wat in Cambodia, or the Lantern Festivals held all over Asia would fit the bill… but until then, I still need to do Machu Picchu right!