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Published: June 29th 2016
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As my good friend Joe will tell you (after becoming $100 lighter in the wallet) Machu Piccu is one of the principle cities in the once mighty Inca Empire. It is theorized that Machu Piccu was commissioned by the great Inca King Pachacuti as a royal hacienda and retreat for the ruling elite of the time. The city was a place of religious and astrological significance for the Inca and even today many mysteries remain of what is dubbed as “The Lost City”. Machu Piccu was “discovered “ in 1911 by Western anthropologist Hiram Bingham and since that time the city has inspired countless millions to make the journey high into the lush Peruvian rainforest to witness the spectacle for themselves. This is the story of how I almost was not among them.
After a very long and tiring travel day I awoke in the ancient Inca city of Cusco. Today it is a modern city built right on top of the old Inca foundation that is full of international tourists making their way into The Sacred Valley to view the many Inca historical sites throughout the area, primarily Machu Piccu. From the terminal I walked into the heart of
the historical center to Plaza de Armas where I secured a nice hostel for the nice price of 20 Soles ($8 USD). After dropping my bags I set out to book my tour for Machu Piccu.
Originally I wanted to show up and book the famous Inca Trail hike that is 4 Days and 3 nights. People book this trip six months in advance as to secure the necessary permit from the Peruvian government and this trip always sells out. I went to the first tour company I saw and just as I suspected someone booked the trip months earlier and bailed out losing their spot and deposit. The spot was mine for an astronomical $500 USD. I declined. The money was not the issue; really I wasn't ready to commit to another 4 day hike in the mountains and jungle. My next plan was to rent a motorcycle and ride for the three day round trip journey to the site. After going to the motorcycle agency and discussing the terms of the rental I was never really comfortable with the company. The bikes looked a little sketchy and the business seemed a little fly by night. Not once
did I have a good feeling and one thing I know is to always listen to my gut instinct. So I declined the motorcycle trip as well.
Never one to quit I decided to try and get to Machu Piccu myself. This is no easy task as I came to find out. None of the tour companies would give me any information. They all wanted to sell me a tour of the place at a premium. No surprise there. I was finally able to locate the Inca Rail train office and after speaking with the gentleman I purchased a train ticket from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, which is the jumping point for Machu Piccu. All I needed now was a collectivo bus for the one and a half hour trip to Ollantaytambo which was easily arranged. My itinerary was early Saturday morning bus to Ollantaytambo, afternoon train to Aguas Calientes. Spend the night there, then all day Sunday at Machu Piccu. One more night in Aguas Calientes then Monday morning train and collectivo back to Cuzco. No problem.
Friday night, full of excitement, online I read a few travel sites about Machu Piccu to learn that the Peruvian
government only allows 2,500 visitors and entrance tickets daily to the park. Panicked I went to the government site to try and buy a ticket. July was completely sold out. I was screwed. No one ever told me their was a limited number of visitors to the site per day. With my train already booked for the morning I decided to get up extra early and try and buy a ticket from a tour operator at a premium cost. All of my requests were met by laughter. Not good. I took a huge gamble and got on the collectivo to Ollantaytambo anyways – without an entrance ticket. Once I arrived in town I walked to the train station and hopped aboard the Inca Rail to Aguas Calientes and into the unknown full of anxiety. The train however was quite enjoyable with splendid views of the surrounding countryside.
Once in Agua Calientes I immediately walked to the Ministry of Culture Government office hoping for the best. I made my request to the lady working, she did not even blink an eye and printed me an entrance ticket to Machu Piccu the following day. Huge waves of relief came over me
as I would have been seriously disappointed if she denied me. I don't know why she printed me a ticket when the government website clearly shows all tickets for July are gone, but I asked no questions and bailed before she changed her mind. I was early to bed and on the first bus to the park the next day at 5am. My first glimpse of the ancient city as the sun broke over the mountains and filled the ruins with its golden hues was an exhilarating moment for me.
I had a full day at Machu Piccu from sunrise to sunset hiking all around the park. I was transported to an ancient time and reveled in imagining the history and putting my hands on the ancient stones. "What were these people doing up here?" my mind often reeled. It really is a powerful place on this planet. The majestic mountains surrounding "The City in the Clouds" add to the beauty and I sat for hours soaking it all in. I had many thoughts whilst in Machu Piccu of life, the future, the past and how far I have come. Being here really validated my choices in life that
sun
First View brought me here and brought some clarity on the choices I will make in the future. Truly a special day for me personally and as the sun was setting I knew that this would be a memory that will last a lifetime.
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