Machu Picchu - teenage dream achieved

Today was the day. The 6am pickup felt early… but when you’re heading to Machu Picchu, suddenly you’re wide awake.
Entry is capped at 5,000 people per day and our allocated time was 7am. We arrived 15 minutes early, slightly smug, slightly excited, and possibly slightly nervous about the bus ride up what is officially called the Hiram Bingham Road (yes, named after the chap who brought Machu Picchu to the world’s attention in 1911). Endless switchbacks, sheer drops, and just enough drama to make you very aware you’re in the Andes.
At 7am sharp, through the gates we went.
The first climb to the classic viewpoint is no joke – especially for a cheerful gang of over-60 wanderers – but wow… worth every step. The entire citadel was wrapped in drifting cloud. Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain played hide and seek behind the mist, revealing themselves in dramatic bursts. It honestly felt like the city was breathing.
We did Circuit 2, which is considered the most complete route through the site. It gives you:
• The classic postcard view from above
• The Sacred Plaza
• The Temple of the Sun
• The Temple of the Three Windows
• Residential areas and agricultural terraces
It’s essentially the full storytelling circuit — ceremonial spaces, living quarters, engineering brilliance and those impossibly precise stone walls that somehow survived earthquakes for centuries.
We took just under four hours, moving steadily, soaking it all in, and somehow managing to capture photos without crowds (small miracle). The terraces were glowing green against the grey stone. The mist rolled in and out like theatre curtains. Every turn revealed another perfect alignment of mountain, sky and ancient architecture.
For a site built in the 15th century at 2,430 metres above sea level, the engineering is mind-blowing. Drainage systems, agricultural planning, astronomical alignment — this wasn’t just a city; it was a masterpiece.
Fitness report: passed.
Breathing report: slightly dramatic at times.
Overall enjoyment: absolutely through the roof.
This one has lived in my head since the old Time-Life books days. Today it stepped out of the pages and into real life.
Bucket list? Ticked.
Still smiling? Very much so.Read more