Machu Picchu

We awoke at 4:45 am to get in line for the bus to Machu Picchu- a long line of people hoping to get the first glimpse of the famous Inca citadel. As we climbed towards Machu Picchu, the surrounding mountains were covered in thick cloud creating an eerie and mysterious aura. As we entered the ruins, we could only see the Inca formations through a cloudy haze. After an hour, the fog begin to lift and the majesty of Machu Picchu finally revealed itself.

In the background, Huayna Picchu mountain towers over the massive fortress of Machu Picchu which in its hey day hosted the Inca king and his family. Felix gave us a tour of the ruins, including the Temple of the Three Windows, the Temple of the Condor and the Temple of the Sun. He explained how slaves built the terraces and how they transported and smoothed the rocks for construction. It is believed that during the time the Incas abandoned the fortress to keep it hidden from the Spanish, it was still under construction.

We walked around the metropolis for hours, absorbing the energy and magnificent views of the city. We marveled at its scale and the strength of its people who, through personal sacrifice, protected it from destruction.