Story of my journey to Peru 2007
Our final major destination was Machu Picchu, which for many people is the sole reason they visit Peru. Imagine what you think it is like, and then multiply it’s magic and mystique by 100! It really is the city in the clouds, as we experienced ourselves with a 6am bus ride up the mountain to get there right after dawn. Well over 5000 people a day visit Machu Picchu now, so being early has its benefits. Washi took us to the peak overlooking the city, and at first we saw only fog. After a few minutes it started to clear and the city magically appeared. We stood dumbfounded, at the site before us. We learned about artefacts and rituals of the Incas. We saw much local wildlife including Llamas, large birds of prey, chinchillas, lizards, and swallows by the dozens. It’s as if they were drawn to that place, just like we were.
An optional hike up to Hyuana Picchu was chosen by several of our group. They allow only 300 a day to trek up the 300 meters to the famous peak that overlooks the city. I overcame my own fear of heights and make the 2 hour round trip trek, and was not a bit disappointed. It was exhilarating, exhausting, empowering and the view of the panorama was nothing short of spectacular. We even did some yoga poses at the top – warrior pose of course, in honour of our Inca sisters and brothers who came before. More than a few times I imagined myself an Inca princess while sitting on a terrace in Machu Picchu.
Our journey home took us back through the valley and Cusco where we saw more Andean bands, ate more amazingly delicious food, and met more wonderful people. We ended with a fire ceremony in the hills overlooking Cusco while we dancing, hugged and said our good byes.
One word that I’d use to describe my journey “WOW!”
In a much broader sense I experienced spirituality, inner growth, a strong sense of community and giving, a connection to Pacha Mama (Mother Earth) and her people, FUN!!!, It was inspiring, informative, interesting, did I mention FUN?!, adventurous, sometimes challenging. It helped me push past some of my own fears and reach new heights – literally!
But the biggest thing I bring back with me is love. I hope you’ve been able to get a sense of that as I hopefully shared my love of people and of this beautiful country with you. I WILL most certainly be going back to Peru again.
More from Her View Photography
- Using Your Photography to Make a Difference
- This is what your Peru calendar purchases helped to do
- Visions of Peru photography book raises money for charity in the Sacred Valley
Her View Photography Tutoring Recommends
- Top 5 Things to Live By (DeanOrosPhoto)
- I have many to thank. (DeanOrosPhoto)
Great pictures. I am so happy that you went to Peru and actually enjoyed your experience. Thanks for letting evrybody know about the beauty of my country.
Thank you so much. Yes I very much enjoyed my time in Peru and would love to visit you again. Where do you live in Peru? (de donde eres?) I’m taking Spanish still so I’m practicing. I can’t figure out how to make the upside down question mark on my keyboard yet though.
Actually, I am not living in Peru at the moment. I do love travelling and for the past two years I have been living in France.
I am originally from Lima, I was back there last year and it has change so much from my last trip… Keep up with the Spanish lessons and the salsa dancing!
Wonderful pictures. ¡Felicitaciones!
Beautiful pictures, you could see the people’s personalities in their faces. So charming and gracious. Thank you for sharing your experiences with us.
I haven’t been to Peru since 1990. I did not go as a tourist and didn’t get to view the ruins. But I was so taken by the people there. I am especially impressed with their love of children and how welcoming they are.
Your story makes my heart yearn for Peru. I recall the sadness of one of my last evenings there, strolling down a road and missing it even before I left.
I understand that things have changed immensely since I was there. But it’s good to know that the people themselves have not changed.
The women delivering lunch is exquisite!
Thanks Lauri and thanks for visiting my blog. I’m thinking about entering that into competition along with the little boy in red, he’s just so adorable.
Beautifully done pictures and writing. So glad I found your blog address on your email signature. Your travel notes really motivate a desire to see that interesting country.
Thanks Teri, have you seen the book I did on Peru? If you purchase it, the profits go to help the people there – who really need it right now with the flooding they’ve had there.