Machu Picchu - A Wonder Of The World

We woke up very early on the last day and last few km of the Inka Trail. We were all buzzing and ready to finally see Machu Picchu. To get there from our last camp site, we just had to walk for 1h or so to the Sungate from which we hoped to have a first glance - and bird's eye view - of Machu Picchu. Luckily, it stopped raining so we set of with good spirits to reach the Sungate for sunrise.

After one last steep 'stairwell' and a few more meters, we finally passed the Sungate with the sun rising behind us. The view was clear and there it was: Machu Picchu. Still a bit in the distance, but nonetheless spectacular to see. Set on a mountain side in the middle of a mountain range, it truly was a sight to behold. The moment I saw it, I just stood there for a bit and soaked it in - I have finally made it what thousands of Inkas have done before me. I have reached Machu Picchu.

Our group lingered at the Sungate for a bit before we started to go down and into the city.

On the way, we made a few stops at some small Inka sites, before finally reaching one of the Seven Wonders of the World. It was just WOW! The whole scenery looked amazing and absurd at the same time. I mean, there is an entire city built on a mountain side (!), basically on a cliff surrounded by other mountains and deep valleys. One of my thoughts was that it truly deserves to be named a Wonder of the World.

I was in awe. And the view was clear. So we took the opportunity to take some nice snaps and just to enjoy the view of the city. I quickly changed into my ‚Inka Sweater' to make the photos look even nicer (I wouldn't call it more 'authentic', though).

After enjoying the view from the top and getting that 'famous' shot, it was time to explore the inside of Machu Picchu. With our knowledgeable guides, we learned about the history, culture, hierarchy, architecture and emperors of Machu Picchu. I really enjoyed listening to our guides, wandering around this ancient place, exploring abandoned houses, wondering what life here was like while still being mesmerised by the stunning views. I also couldn't believe that it took them less than 30 years to build it, but was disappointed to learn that people were living here for less than 200 years - hell my little town, Muenster in Germany, has survived for longer.

Admittedly, Machu Picchu is quite touristy and when we arrived in the city around mid-morning, it was already very busy. But that did not lessen the experience a single bit. Being here was truly incredible and definitely a small dream come true.

Having hiked for 3 days, passing multiple Inka sites, walking on the original Inka Trail that was a pilgrimage in times gone by and learning about the Inkas on the way really has given me a much deeper appreciation of the place than I would have had if I had just taken the bus up (most tourists do that). I was truly happy seeing this place with my own eyes and I think the setting in which it was built was more spectacular than I imagined.

Machu Picchu, you truly have some kind of magic in you!Leer más