Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu

September 12, Thursday Sacred Valley • Machu Picchu

Destination: Machu Picchu

Accommodations: EL MAPI BY INKATERRA

Activity Note: Today’s discoveries involve extensive walking on steep and uneven planes and an altitude of more than 7,000 feet. We recommend you stay hydrated and rest if necessary.

This morning after breakfast we gathered at a fire pit to participate in a healing ceremony conducted by a curandero… an ancient medicine man. The ceremony is not only for healing, but also a prayer to be offered for health and well-being. The curandero made an offering to Pachamama, a deity associated with Mother Earth. He gave us a leaf with a flower on it and we had to face Machu Picchu mountain and blow on it three times.

The curandero had a huge piece of paper, to which he added many items: gold flakes, silver, hearts, spices, rice, corn, etc. Then we added the leaves and flowers that he had given us. He wrapped and tied everything up, enclosed it in material, and went around to all of us and touched the top and sides of our heads with the package. Then he built a fire and put the package in it to burn.

He grabbed Allan’s hand and placed a hat on him and then took my hand and led us to the center for a photo op. Apparently, Allan was now the superior one. I have no idea what I was. 🤪

The medicine man said that the way the fire burned was very good luck for us. Good to know!

We bid good bye to the medicine man and took the bus to the Ollantaytambo train station to catch a train to Aguas Calientes. The train ride offers views into the scenic gorge of the Urubamba River. We were able to see the Inca trail on the way.

A box lunch was provided for us consisting of chicken sandwich, a drink, an orange, a banana, a slice of cake, a protein bar, and a chocolate bar. It was delicious.

We disembarked the train in Aguas Calientes, often simply known as Machu Picchu town, and then boarded a bus to take us to the site. What a ride!! Hair pin turns the entire way, climbing up, up, up until you think you can’t climb any higher. I couldn’t look over the edge. Most times we were inches from the steep drop with no guardrails!!!

Finally, we arrived at Machu Picchu. We had to wait in line to get in and show our tickets as well as our passports. It was a beautiful and sunny day, and off we went to explore the ruins.

I have to say, given my fear of height, this was not in my comfort zone. There were many uneven steps, twists and turns, and sometimes no handrails. We had a nice guide with us whose sole purpose was to help us navigate the climb. However, I was proud of myself that I did it.

Most travelers visit Machu Picchu on a day trip, which makes for a hectic pace and only limited time at this unique archaeological wonder. We will be there again tomorrow doing the upper loop. And today since we arrived in the afternoon, the crowds had greatly diminished.

Machu Picchu has an amazing history, but it is too long to tell in this post. If you’re interested, I suggest you google the ruins and read about this Inca civilization.

We rode the bus back down the mountain, our bus driver navigating the hairpin turns, and it was once again terrifying. And to think we’re doing it all again tomorrow!

We are staying right in the heart of the town of Machu Picchu and our hotel is upscale and quite lovely. There are shops all along the street so we’re looking forward to browsing in them when we return tomorrow from the ruins.

I can only post a few pics since the internet connection is rather slow.