The Journey to Machu Picchu: A Step Into the Past

Machu Picchu—the Lost City of the Incas. For years, Marc and I dreamed about visiting this ancient wonder tucked away in the Peruvian Andes. And when the time finally came, the journey to get there felt like a rite of passage: a train ride through the Sacred Valley, followed by a heart-pounding bus trip up the steep mountainside.

We were ready to walk in the footsteps of the Inca people and see firsthand what makes this place so extraordinary.

The Train Ride: Into the Heart of the Andes

Our journey started in Ollantaytambo, a charming little town that feels like it hasn’t changed much in centuries. We boarded the train and settled into our seats, eager to see what lay ahead. The train wound its way through the Sacred Valley, hugging the Urubamba River as we passed lush green hills, ancient terraces, and dramatic cliffs.

It felt like the landscape itself was preparing us for something magical. The closer we got to Aguas Calientes, the deeper we were pulled into the world of the Incas.

The Bus Ride: Climbing to the Clouds

From Aguas Calientes, we caught the bus that snakes its way up to Machu Picchu. The road is narrow and full of hairpin turns, with steep drops on one side and towering cliffs on the other. Every twist and turn brought us higher into the clouds, and by the time we reached the entrance, my heart was racing—not just from the ride but from the anticipation of finally seeing this legendary place.

First Glimpse of Machu Picchu

When we stepped through the gates and got our first glimpse of Machu Picchu, it took our breath away. The mist was still lingering, slowly lifting to reveal the sprawling terraces, temples, and stone structures that seemed to grow out of the mountain itself. It was surreal, like stepping into a dream.

The city was carefully designed to blend with its surroundings, almost as if the mountains themselves had shaped it. Every stone was placed with purpose—walls, fountains, temples—all perfectly aligned with the movement of the sun and the natural landscape.

A Sacred City in the Sky

Machu Picchu was built by the Inca emperor Pachacuti around the 15th century. Historians believe it served as a royal estate, a place of retreat for the Inca elite, and a center for spiritual ceremonies. Its location high in the Andes was no accident—it was designed to be closer to the gods, with breathtaking views of the sacred peaks that surrounded it.

The Incas were true masters of engineering. Despite its remote location, Machu Picchu was a self-sustaining city, complete with agricultural terraces, sophisticated water channels, and temples dedicated to the sun, moon, and stars. The Temple of the Sun, with its curved stone walls and perfectly aligned windows, was particularly striking—built to catch the first rays of the sun during the solstice.

The Sun Gate: A Journey Worth Taking

For those who are up for it, the hike to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) is a must. It’s a bit of a climb, but the reward is worth every step. The Sun Gate was the original entrance to Machu Picchu for those traveling along the Inca Trail. Reaching it felt like a pilgrimage of sorts.

Marc and I slowly made our way up the trail, stopping every now and then to catch our breath (altitude is no joke!) and take in the view. When we finally reached the top, we were greeted with a stunning panorama of Machu Picchu, with Huayna Picchu towering in the background.

This was how the Inca people first saw their sacred city—emerging from the mountains and catching sight of Machu Picchu in all its glory. Standing there, you can almost feel their presence, like they’re watching over the site, guarding its secrets.

Exploring the Ruins

Every corner of Machu Picchu had a story to tell. We wandered through the agricultural terraces, where the Incas grew crops like maize and potatoes. The stone walls of the city seemed to whisper ancient secrets, and we found ourselves imagining what life must have been like here.

We spent time at the Intihuatana, a carved stone believed to be a solar clock and ceremonial center. The Incas used it to track the movement of the sun, aligning their rituals with the seasons. There’s a powerful energy around it—like the stone is still in tune with the cosmos.

We also walked through the residential areas, where small stone houses clustered together, and visited the Temple of the Three Windows, which overlooks the valley below. Every stone had a purpose, every structure seemed to hum with meaning.

Llamas, Legends, and Lasting Memories

Of course, no trip to Machu Picchu would be complete without an encounter with a llama. They wander the site freely, completely unbothered by the tourists snapping photos. One particular llama seemed to take a liking to Marc, following him around as if it had found a new hiking buddy.

As the afternoon wore on, the crowds began to thin, and the golden light of the setting sun bathed the ruins in a soft glow. We found a quiet spot to sit and reflect, watching the clouds drift across the mountains.

A Journey We’ll Never Forget

Machu Picchu is more than a bucket-list destination—it’s a place that leaves you humbled and inspired. It’s a testament to human ingenuity, resilience, and the deep connection between people and the natural world.