Machu Picchu

January 15, 2025

On Jan.14, I left the ship for 3 days to visit Machu Picchu, a World UNESCO site high in the Andes Mountains of Peru. 

Our excursions started with an hour flight from Lima over the Andes to Cusco. Cusco is at an altitude of 11,152 feet. When we left the plane we were told to walk slowly and take short breaks. I was fortunate, I had no effects from the dreaded altitude sickness. Many in our group did and they were provided with oxygen and coca tea by the hotel. 

Our beautiful hotel, Belmond Monasterio was situated right on the Cusco town square. We were lucky to be here for two nights. The first night was to help us acclimatize to the decreased oxygen levels. During a dinner, we were entertained by a musical group playing pan flutes and colourful dancers. 

We left Cusco the next day to make our way to Machu Picchu. That involved 2 bus rides and a  train ride on the elegant Hiram Bingham train along the sacred Uranamba River to Aguas Calientes. The train is named after the fellow who rediscovered the Inca citadel in 1911. 

Our entrance time to visit the Machu Picchu site was 2 pm. We spent 3 hours in the citadel which was built in the 15th century. Our guide, Oscar gave us an excellent tour of the Lost City of the Incas. We saw the way that the massive stones were held together without mortar. He showed us the Sun Temple and some of the amazing astronomical features used in Machu Picchu as calendars and as part of their religious festivals. 

We returned to our hotel at 10pm and went to bed immediately as we had breakfast at 4 am and then head to the Cusco airport in order to be back in Lima in time for our ship’s departure. 

Machu Picchu was an unforgettable journey for me. I have wanted to go for many years. The majesticmountains, incredible Inca history and the spiritual quality of this amazing place left its mark on me. 

Cheers

Carol