Sometimes by having high expectations, I’m setting myself up to be disappointed. With Machu Picchu, I not only had high expectations but the site exceeded those!
Waking up early – 3:20am – with light rain falling, we walked to where we would wait an hour to hike 3.5 miles to the Sun Gate, our entrance to Machu Picchu. In line with about 200 other trekkers, the rain stopped, I ate my somewhat meager breakfast, and everyone exhibited a strong sense of excitement.
Soon, the line moved and the hike began. This day’s hike was relatively easy, with a surprise of a few ruins to see along the way.
Then, there it was! MACHU PICCHU! While waiting to take our classic photos, with tears of awe rolling down my cheeks, we witnessed the clouds slowly lifting, treating us to the majesty of these phenomenal ruins. BEAUTIFUL! AMAZING! INSPIRING!
Classic photo taken just as the clouds lifted
Greeting us: llamas!
Our Inca Trail lead guide, Leo, with his “bible” telling us the story of Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu!!!
A chinchilla chilling in the ruins
