Okay, this title might be a little misleading. When most people think of the hike to Machu Picchu they’re thinking of the Inca trail, a long trail that takes a few days to hike. I did not do that. But, here’s what I did do.
So, my team left our hostel around 6:45am and headed to the place our bus was going to pick us up. Thankfully, our hostel let us leave our bags there for the two nights we would be in Machu Picchu, so we only had our smaller backpacks with us. We just packed our toiletries, a change of clothes, a swim suit, and meals/snacks for the days we would be gone (Praise Jesus for Ramen noodles). We got on the bus and left Cuzco around 8am. This was a looooong bus ride. It was like a twelve passenger van but with small individual seats. Oh, and no AC. Up a winding mountain road (the last 2 hours were a gravel road) for a total of 7 hours. Needless to say, my team was popping the dramamine to avoid car sickness.
At 3:30pm we got to Hydroelectrica. Hydroelectrica pretty much consists of a few stores to buy snacks and water, a small restaurant, and a train station. For $29 you can take the train up to Aguas Calientes. To save some money, my team decided to hike 6 miles to Aguas Calientes instead. If you know me, you know that I do not care for physical activity. Especially hiking. The first hour wasn’t bad. We played music on Frieda’s speaker and saw some beautiful scenery. But after that the bugs started biting and my backpack felt like it was getting heavier and heavier. As I was starting to get tired and a negative Nancy attitude, a song came on Freida’s speaker that sang about the Lord being your strength. Both physically and mentally. I think I forget that often. The Lord is always there for me, and He will always give me the strength I need. Unfortunately, the bugs didn’t stop biting and my back still hurt, but it didn’t matter as much anymore. I was surrounded by God’s amazing creation, my team, and some great worship music. And it was only 6 miles.
Here are some pictures from the hike.
We crossed a bridge towards the beginning of the hike to go over the river. We walked along the train tracks next the the river the rest of the hike.
Sometimes the tracks went over the river like this.
Beautiful stuff!
We got into Aguas Calientes around 6:00pm and I immediately ate, took a shower, and plopped down in bed. But I had done something I never thought I would have done. It felt great.
The next morning we ate a quick breakfast and left our hostel around 5am to get to the bus station. After a quick 30 min bus ride, we made it to Machu Picchu. A guide quickly found us (if you ever go to Machu Picchu, definitely get a guide. Otherwise you’ll have no idea what you’re really looking at) and we entered the park. It. Was. Amazing. So freaking beautiful.
Pictures really don’t do it justice, but here are some anyways.
This is most of Machu Picchu except for some watch towers and the agricultural terraces. Oh an a sacrificial alter. Fun stuff.
A view of the mountains surrounding Machu Picchu.
There were lots of llamas grazing, including this cute baby llama.
Peru has been amazing so far. I loved Arequipa, Cuzco, and Machu Picchu. I’m currently in Lima for a leadership development week with my whole squad. We’re taking this week to learn even more about what it means to be a missionary and children of God.
