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Published: October 27th 2009
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The inevitable happened....we visited Machu Picchu. It would have been strange to have come all the way to Peru and have missed this iconic destination, being one of the seven wonders of the world. Due to this status, I had hyped it up so much in my head and had so many expectations. Unfortunately it didn't quite live up to what I had expected I would gain from the experience.
This slight disappointment has nothing to do with the actual place, rather just that it was far too crowded. I know it sounds hypocritical being a traveller myself, but I found myself loathing the fact that I was surrounded by Americans, English, German, Finnish, French...the list goes on, but no Peruvians apart from the few Peruvian tourists and guides. It felt more like a crowded modern city street than an ancient ruined city. You're pushed and shoved at virtually every corner, with people constantly in your way.
Due to this bustle I found it extremely difficult to imagine it as it was when the Incas were settled on this land. I know it was inevitable, but I didn't quite expect it to be so full of tourists. Loud tourists
at that, so all you could hear was shouting in many different languages, totally destroying the tranquility that Macchu Picchu is capable of having.
Nonetheless it is a magnificant sight, this huge city of ruins nestled deep inbetween mountain after mountain. The location had clearly been a huge bonus for the Incas in terms of defence, as well as how they had built the city. That is, it is built using terraces, like giant steps that enemies would not penetrate before being spotted. We walked up to the sungate, which makes up the final stage of the inca trail to soak up the view in a somewhat more peaceful environment. It really was an awe inspiring view, but I must say, I don't think it was worth the £250 we spent in total to be in the area for two days. To put it into perspective, we usually spend around £30 per day at the very most for accomodation, food, transport, etc.
I cannot blame the locals, as this really is a goldmine for them, bringing in thousands upon thousands of soles for them every week, but the area really is ridiculously overpriced. Everything from the accomodation to
the food and the $7 bus ride up the hill which takes little over 20 minutes. From this I had the realisation as to why there are few travellers there...because they cannot afford it like the many tourists could.
If I could go back in time would I have gone? I'm not sure. Maybe seeing it on the television and reading about in books is enough. Maybe I didn't need to be there to appreciate the amazing history that lies behind it. But then again... at least I can now say I've stood right in the middle of one of the seven wonders of the world!
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