Behind me is the extraordinary vista of Machu Picchu – the “lost city of the Incas,” hidden from the western world for over 400 years. When I first laid eyes on the ancient citadel of Machu Picchu, I could only imagine what it must have been like for explorer Hiram Bingham on July 24, 1911. While trekking through a dense Peruvian jungle, he stumbled upon one of the greatest archeological finds of the 20th century.
There before his eyes – and now before mine – was the most extraordinary sight. He had discovered what he believed to be the “lost city of the Incas,” which had been hidden from the Western world for the past 400 years. Over the centuries, the surrounding jungle had grown over much of the mountaintop site, and few outsiders knew of its existence.
By Bingham’s side was a young Peruvian boy who served as his guide to this hidden treasure. By my side was my husband — we had decided to visit Machu Picchu to celebrate our anniversary.
The last stronghold of the mighty Incas, the largest civilization in pre-Columbian America, Machu Picchu was named one of the new Seven Wonders of the World in 2007 for good reason. Some call it one of the most beautiful places on earth.
Traveling to Machu Picchu was an adventure in itself. Our first stop was Cuzco, Peru, the historic capitol of the Inca Empire and itself a UNESCO World Heritage site with its Baroque churches and palaces built over the ruins of an Inca city.
Cuzco is the gateway to Machu Picchu (which means “Old Peak) and sits 11,600 feet above sea level, high in the Peruvian Andes, and nearly half of all visitors are said to be affected by altitude sickness. We were therefore fortunate to stay at the beautiful Hotel Monasterio, a former Spanish colonial monastery built on a 400-year-old Incan foundation, where oxygen is piped into the guest rooms 24 hours a day to help prevent the ill effects of altitude sickness. The ultimate amenity!
The train from Cuzco took us to the town of Aguas Calientes at the foot of Machu Picchu, where I spent a little time shopping for local souvenirs.
The oxygen must have worked, because neither of us was affected by the altitude and we were excited for our day-long tour of Machu Picchu. We traveled there by PeruRail’s Hiram Bingham train (heartier souls actually take four days to hike there on the famous 28-mile Inca trail), and we were quite content to ride the rails. After a steep climb out of Cuzco, we descended into the Sacred Valley, marveling at the vistas of fields and villages in the foothills of the Andes. The end of the line was the town of Aguas Calientes at the foot of the Machu Picchu mountain. It was there that I purchased one of the most important souvenirs of my trip. While strolling around the quaint town looking at local crafts, I found some beads.
These weren’t just any beads, but beads made from the green serpentine stone found nowhere else in the world but Machu Picchu. The mountain’s veins run rich with this mineral, said to carry powerful spiritual qualities – bringing the wearer calmness and serenity, and a deep connection with nature. I thought this necklace was the perfect item to accompany me as I explored this astonishing place.
The green serpentine beads I bought in Aguas Calientes are made from minerals only found at Machu Picchu and are said to carry powerful spiritual qualities.
When I first took in the vista of Machu Picchu, it was startling. The sheer beauty of these terraced ruins took my breath away. Ringed by a crown of pointed mountain peaks and lush jungle, it was even more stunning than the photos I’d seen. There were hundreds of stone structures built in the early 1400s — palaces, temples, baths, storehouses, dwellings and plazas connected by narrow lanes.
The Incas had turned the site into a small but extraordinary city. It was invisible from below and completely self-contained, surrounded by agricultural terraces and watered by natural springs. Tracing the history and purpose of Machu Picchu is difficult because the Incas relied heavily on their people to carry important information. Since they had no written language, history was passed down by oral historians from one generation to the next. Through much study, it’s now believed that Machu Picchu was built as an estate for an Inca emperor, and that the site was no doubt selected because of its position relative to sacred landscape features such as its mountains, which are purported to be in alignment with key astronomical events that were important to the Incas.
My husband, Bruce, and I traveled to Machu Picchu to celebrate our anniversary.
I found it hard to believe that this remarkable place had been “hidden” from the Western world for four centuries. There were no accounts of Machu Picchu in any of the chronicles about the Spanish invasion and occupation. There was nothing to document that it even existed at all. Fortunately, the conquering Spanish never found Machu Picchu, even though they suspected its existence. The site was therefore never plundered and destroyed, and so survived as a rare window onto the Inca civilization.
We were there on a sunny November day, and we were surprised that only a few other people were around – we felt as though the place was ours. We wandered among the structures, which are all made of carved, massive granite stone, precisely fitted together in interlocking patterns — using no mortar – in order to withstand the disastrous effects of earthquakes. The Inca had learned that when an earthquake occurred, the stones would lock together, allowing the entire wall to simultaneously flex, rather than crumble.
Many of Machu Picchu’s hand carved stones weigh upwards of 50 tons.
The Incas were brilliant architects and engineers, not only with their amazing feats of mortar-less stone buildings. They constructed paved roads through the mountains from Ecuador to Chile with tunnels and bridges, they built aqueducts to their cities, and they created terraced farmlands in the steep mountainsides. As I stood among the ruins, I could picture the ancient city once again alive and bustling – the perfect blending of man and nature high in the Andes.
No one knows why or when the Incas left Machu Picchu. But as the 100th anniversary of the rediscovery of this site approaches, it’s reason to celebrate that this lost city was found, and today stands as a magnificent jewel of the mighty Inca civilization.
When I wear my Machu Picchu serpentine beads today, I’m transported back to this place of beauty and wonder. And it just might be my imagination, but I’m sure I feel their powers of calmness and serenity.
The Incas were famous for creating terraced farmlands in the steep Peruvian mountainsides.
The Inca were brilliant engineers and architects, carving and fitting interlocking stones together, without mortar, to help the structure flex during an earthquake, rather than crumble.
The conquering Spanish never found Machu Picchu and therefore it survived as a rare window onto the Incan civilization.
Machu Picchu is made up of hundreds of stone structures including palaces, temples, baths, storehouses and dwellings.
Please advise which cruise goes to Peru? and the ruins.
Hi Gary,
There are many different options to visit Machu Picchu with Princess. One is to take an overland excursion to Machu Picchu during a cruise, such as “Lima, Cusco & Machu Picchu Overland” on Royal Princess April 6, 2011. Another way that would give you more time in Machu Picchu is a cruisetour. The five-night land tour gives you two visits to Machu Picchu. It combines with our Cape Horn Route to Rio cruise that begins or ends in Santiago, Chile and includes air travel between Santiago and Lima. You can find more information on South America cruisetours here: http://www.princess.com/learn/cruisetours/south_america/subtrades/sct.jsp
we are leaving on the 11th for a tour and cruise, unfortunately not with Princess (my favourite cruise line!) but one of your sister companies, and I am counting the days! This is my second to last item on my bucket list, and I have wanted to travel there for years. Thanks for the vivid desciption of the site, I felt like I was there!!!!!
My husband and I will be cruising with Princess Apr.6th, 2011. I have not seen any info on Machu Pitchu, regarding on shore excursion. Can you tell what avenue to pursue to find more information? Thanks
Hi Carol,
We look forward to welcoming you aboard!
You are able to get shore excursions information on the Cruise Personalizer on http://www.princess.com. The excursion that would bring you to Machu Picchu during your cruise is “Lima, Cuzco & Machu Picchu Overland” which begins in the port of Pisco (Puerto San Martin, Peru).
Great story and great pictures. Surely, this is one of the great places to visit. My wife and I took the trip off the Pacific Princess in 2009 and a wonderful trip it was. T he cost was not inconsiderable, but everything was first class from the hotel in Cusco to the flights around Peru, which, incidentally, is a wonderful place full of wonderful, friendly people. If you go, do yourself a favor and read up on that area at least. Bingham’s book is fascinating but rather self serving. There are others that are more accurate. What surprised me was how easy hisi “discovery” was. (An Italian had actually stumbles upon it 30 years earlier but made no big issue of it) He merely asked a local government official if there was anything of interest in the area, then, in the company of a Peruvian, he climbed the mountain while his more tired companians stayed in the valley. Not at all as exciting as I imagined. Plus, when he reached the top, he found several Indians who were farming the terraces! Amazing. Finally, it wasn’t a fortress and no “last stand” was made there by the Incas. The conquistadores never knew of its whereabouts. Read up on it; Americans don’t spend much time learning about Peruvian history and that’s unfortunate, as it’s fascinating.
Taking a quick break from my work today, I opened up this Princess email on the first 10 blogs and there was Julie’s article on MP. I started to read it and didn’t stop – and as you can see I even read thru all the blogs. My bride and I visited there in December 2009. IT WAS ONE OF THE BEST TRAVEL EXPERIENCES of my life – so far. I was 69 or 70 then and after lunch at the Monasterio (?) I just had to go back up and climb to the guard house at the highest point – where you enter from the long trail. Did I get tired, you bet. Was it exhilarating? YES! Looking down on the whole site was spiritual. Looking over to that tall green peak, I commented to my guide companion that I wanted to climb to the peak next time – and look back to the site. Ah yes, you all, try to get there.
I’ve always wanted to visit this place, but will probably die before I can afford it. Any great deals on such a trip might interest me.
Having worked with you 20 years ago when I was in PR at the Port of San Francisco, I was pleased to see that you are still working in PR with Princess. Macchu Pichu has been on my bucket list for years, and, now that we’ve booked on one of the Star Princess sailings next year, I too may finally get there. Thanks for your insights!
That story left me breathless. Literally. Your trek through the mountains sounds like quite a workout. In a good way, of course. It truly is an amazing place. Glad you have something to remind you of its powers – thank you for sharing.
This is on my bucket list as my son went there and raved about it. You have further whetted my appitite to go. Many Thanks for an interesting and informative blog
Really a cool blog and appreciate the way you presented your experience. Got some good knowledge about the location after going through your article and really enjoyed it reading.
Thanks for the blog and awaiting to read more.
http://www.expeditionamerica.net/kentucky-horse-park.html
You’ve just made Machu Picchu one of the MUST VISIT places in my bucket list…thanks for sharing and your amazing descriptions….felt like i have already known the places for ages….haha!!!
This is a wonderful BlOG….
I do not recall getting any mosquito bites or seeing any, but I did not wear shorts. It might depend of the time of year
Your great story brought back many wonderful memories…and 1 not so wonderful. Please remind folks to bring BUG Lotion…and only certain types that are eco-friendly…because the mosquitos will feed on open skin!!! My husband still has some scars from our 2009 trip from bites he got before we could use the lotion. Altho’ it would seem like a great place for shorts in nice weather, prudence would be to cover your skin!!
Great suggestion Judie. I was lucky enough not to be bit….usually I’m the one all chewed up!
Beautiful place to be, as a peruvian i’m proud of this lovely country. i’ve been in Machu Pichu a couple of times and cannot describe the feelings you experience when you climb the mountain, just amazing!!
Thanks for sharing this experience!
Eduardo, you have great reason to be proud! Thanks for sharing this.
Ten amazing experiences down, 40 more to go! Keep ‘em coming!
Thank you for following our essential journey…we’re having fun compiling and rolling out our budget list for travel experiences.
What crusises by Princes lines will include a tour of Machu Picchu if any in 2011.
Robert, there are two ways to visit Machu Picchu with Princess. One is to sail on a cruise that calls in Lima (Callao) and take an overland excursion to Machu Picchu (more info on those sailings on the link below) These sailings are limited on upcoming schedules, so a better way is our Machu Picchu Explorer cruisetour. This five-night land tour gives you two visits to Machu Picchu, including an opportunity to view the sunrise over the ruins on the second day. It combines with our Cape Horn Route to Rio cruise that begins or ends in Santiago, Chile and includes air travel between Santiago and Lima. You can find more information on South America cruisetours here: http://www.princess.com/learn/cruisetours/south_america/subtrades/sct.jsp
I first heard of Machu Picchu (of Machu Peachey as our guide “renamed” it) in the late 1960′s when a friend was showing slides at a Varsity Outdoor Club (UBC – Vancouver) meeting. Something at the time made the hair on the back of my neck stand up, and it became a must see. My wife and I did get there a few years back and to see it was amazing. It still boggles my mind as to how the Inca people cut and moved the stones.
Julie, you brought back my memory of trekking the Inca Trail in 1987, Being in among the ruins on the night of the last full moon before my 40th birthday & getting locked in with the rest of my hiking group. All this & Machu Picchu too! Thanks for taking me back to the magic.
Now THAT sounds like an essential experience Dia!
The cost of an excursion from a cruise ship docking at Lima to Machu Picchu usually is ridiculously expensive. You better find an alternative before you go.
Try Avalon Waterways.
Wow – great pics and story. We are going in February (5-day land tour including Machu Picchu and then 14-day cruise with Princess). We can hardly wait!! It has been on our bucket list for some time.
Get ready to be amazed, and have a wonderful experience Jean!
Have been on 31 cruises several of them on Princess but have never been to Machu Picchu but it appears to be a wanta go cruise. Maybe this one will have to wait since I have a cruise scheduled for March 11 and another in the fall.
Thank you for sharing your experience. My husband and I are going to Machu Picchu in April and I loved reading your experience and seeing your photos!
You and your husband will love it Wendy! Have a wonderful trip.
We are going with Odysseys Unlimited on April 18. Might that be the tour you are taking?
This is a place my husband and I have been planning to go but now I’m concerned that we’ve left it too long. We are in our 60′s and wonder if we will find the altitude too taxing. We are both in good health but have heard that the chance of altitude sickness is likely. I really hope that we can still do it! We’ve done some hiking in the Canadian Rockies without any ill effect.. Any advice?
I understand altitude sickness can affect people of any age, so if you’re in good health you should probably consider a visit. You might want to do a little bit more research and perhaps you can ask your doctor what he/she thinks. Hope you get to see Machu Picchu Carol.
We went 2 years ago and we were 65 at the time. The climb on the uneven steps bothered my one bad knee but we weren’t bothered by the altitude. We stayed the previous night in Cuzco where the hotel offered coco tea. We also had taken altitude pills that the doctor had prescribed. It was a WONDERFUL trip.
Do it – my sister is 68 I was 65 and did it, we did suffer with altitude sickness, but with cans of oxogen and pills you can buy over the counter in Peru, and coco tea, we made it and oh how wonderful. I am now 66 and lived to tell about it, we celebrated my birthday the next day in town and dropped as we shopped. It is the most wonderful thing I have ever seen. Please please please do yourself a favor and make the trip. You can get pills from your Dr in the US Russell
No doubt, Julie, my husband and I went to Machu Picchu in 2008. It was the BEST trip in comparison to all other trips we had taken.
thank you for the mp info..we are leaving jan 17 for this trip cant wait ..how was the altitude issue.
Luckily I wasn’t affected, but I understand that up to half of people who travel to Cuzco could be. I suggest you do an Internet search so you know what to expect and what you can do, such as drinking lots of water. Enjoy your visit Louise!
I just come back from Machu pichu 4 weeks ago,it was a wonderful historic site.
As long as you are in good health, a good rest a night before you start i am sure you will doing fine, be strong & positive you will enjoy your trip. If you travel in winter month make sure bring layer clother it will taking care of your body. Cucoz is higher Altitude which make a little uncomfortable when first arrive after long flight from the state ( if you have flight from the state) but other than that from Lima to Cucoz is less than 1 hr 30 flight ,not bad, altitude in Machu pichu is not bad.
Also do a city tour in Cucoz w Sacsayhuaman ruin is a must.
you can buy these tour at 3rd booth at airport when get off from your flight in Cucoz , choose Expedition train is best package/ price for your tour to Machupichu , all tours included fluently english speaking very knowledgeable w histories.good luck & great holidays.
Ps I also just come back from Iguazu fall & Rio de Janeiro last week if you want information : email christinelove@bellsouth.net
Thanks for a wonderful story. We have always wanted to take a south american cruise but now with heights, we are unable to do so. I will continue to read these lovely stories and visualize them in my mind. This summer , we will be doing a Baltic cruise. I hope that it will be just as fascinating.
I’ve taken a Baltic cruise and it was one of my favorite destinations! I’m sure you’ll have many “essential experiences” in the fascinating ports.
I am thinking a Baltic / russia cruise next August also w b to back cruise reposition which will go to northern Europe & reposition to Boston w Princess line for 29 days.Does any one take this route ?I wish to hear your story & experience before I finalize my booking…
Thanks & have a great holiday.
Sounds like you had a great time Julie, you’ve increased my desire to go. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you for your exquisitely written story & pictures. It brought back happy memories of our visit in 1990.
The ruins, the beautiful landscape, the llamas wondering around & the proud
people we met there.
You had luxurious accommodation, at that time there was only the Y, and young people partying all night…..
The train ride up and back was memorable, as it wound its way up the mountain, with all the red cheeked, due to the altitude, people and their children.
Thank you for sharing your memories.
We would love to go back.
However we are off on the Australia/Southeast Asia Grand Adventure in a few weeks, so South
America will have to wait till next year.
We were so lucky to have stayed in such a beautiful hotel so start our experience. And I have some great photos of llamas and the children, too, that I didn’t include, but that bring back great memories like yours.
I believe I have heard there is a way to get to Machu Picchu without climbing the stairs/path……correct??? How else does one get to the top besides walking?
Thank you…..Dee
Hi Dee,
Unfortunately, there is no way to get to the top besides walking. If you would like more information on this cruisetour please contact Princess at 800-774-6237
Thanks for inspiring me to visit Machu Picchu. My only worry is the altitude.
Thank you Julie! I really enjoyed reading your story and this one is on my Bucket List for sure now. Great pictures and wonderfully written!
Thanks for your nice comments, Laura.
I now officially yearn to visit Macchu Picchu. What an exquisite description of a civilization we have so much to learn from, and of a place filled with such beauty and mystery. I can’t wait
to go! Thanks for sharing such a wonderful story.
Thank you, Julie, for a well-written reminder of the trip I took to Machu Picchu in December of 2009, shortly before the flood badly damaged the rail system leading to Agua Calientes. I’m glad that all is back in working order! Your pictures do a wonderful job of showing the quiet beauty of the area.
Jules – I’m wowed by your narrative, it’s a beautifully written story of a must see place. Definately on my bucket list and you got there before me! Great way to celebrate your anniversary! Remind me to tell you Bruce and Lise Richardson’s story about their visit 25 years ago. Bruce had to pull some guy’s tooth on the trek. xoxo
Thank you Julie for this blog. It just confirms what another “world-traveller” relative told us of her visit there. Her face was glowing as she described it to us. I could feel that “glow” in your writing. In this busy world of travel sales it’s great to have these “time-outs”.
I was hoping readers would have a “time out” experience. Thank you for your nice words Don.
Your description of MP as the perfect blend of natural and man-made is right on. So amazing. Look up Stone Offerings dot com if you want to see it at June and December solstices.
Thank you Mike, I will!
Thanks for the great story and pictures. It brought back memories of a 2001 trip to Machu Picchu that I took with my two teenage boys. We shared some moving experiences on the trip, including building a small traditional cairn at the Inca Gate in memory of our recently deceased daughter/sister.
Thank you so much fir the well written blog. Lovely pictures with your lovely words
You have made Machu Picchu sound wonderful. It is! But you have missed a magical moment! Go to Machu Picchu for a second visit next morning at 6:00AM for sunrise! It will cost another $60 for the morning visit but it is a great donation to the National Park and one hour of glorious mystery. As the risinig sun trickles through the mist or rain or fog it will create another unforgettable image in your mind!
Thanks Peter. I’ve now put your suggestion on my list in the event I’m lucky enough to visit Machu Picchu again.
The pictures you provided were just beautiful
Wow, such a wonderful read! It’s good to see your smiling face (and Bruce too!) after far too many years. Hope your holiday season is a great one. Thank you for sharing – it was like being there. Tony Perri
Hi Tony, great to hear from a long-lost buddy….yes it has been many years and glad you liked my story!
Thank you Julie, for sharing a great story it made me feel as if I was almost there, sounds a wonderful place.
That was a wonderful story! I love learning about historical sites like Machu Picchu and I find it fascinating that this was a site of such significance that was lost for so many years. Now that we’re coming up on 100 years since it’s re-discovery, it might be time for me to take a trip there. You’ve definitely inspired me!
Thank you all for your nice comments. It was fun reliving this fantastic experience and glad I’m able to share it!
Very nice story. Like the other commenters, I feel like I’m right beside you as you’re experiencing Machu Picchu for the first time. I liked learning about the history as well as your feeling of amazement at the Hidden City. Definitely makes me want to board the next cruise to Peru so I can take the excursion!
OK…that did it! Machu Picchu, while on my Bucket List, just moved to the number one spot! Thanks for providing me a wonderful escape for a few minutes this morning.
You’re welcome Brian. At least you got a “mini escape!”
What a wonderful adventure, Julie! Thanks so much for the fascinating narration and the really evocative photos. I gotta go there!
wow julie! what a descriptive blog. i feel as if i were there with you. thanks for sharing
I love this blog post! I was so swept away by the story, I immediately did my own research to learn more. Also, the photos of the ancient city are lovely! I must visit there one day – thanks so much for sharing!
Thanks for sharing your great story Julie – I feel like I was just transported there through your words and great photos. And, I can honestly say those beads definitely give you a calmness and serenity we can all aspire to exude!