Machu Picchu, Peru

It’s not the destination but also the journey that makes this trip very special. 

In the Spring of 2019, my son Ben and I set out to see a destination at the top of my bucket list – Machu Picchu.  We planned the trip for 5 nights (you really need 7 but we didn’t have that) and I focused the trip on being very active – hiking and mountain biking included.  I find hiking a most ideal way to see almost an outdoor region. 

The natural surroundings of Machu Picchu are as impressive as the site itself and I have to say I found it mesmerizing.  A fact that makes the trek to Machu Picchu even more tantalizing – is that no matter what drives you to reach Machu Picchu, you can be assured the protected lands surrounding it are as memorable as the ruins themselves. 

On the Way

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Biking in The Sacred Valley

After spending a couple of days hiking and biking in the Sacred Valley, Ben and I set off with a guide and special permit of course we set off on a 9-mile section of the ancient Inca Trail.  It took us a full 10-hour day and every minute was packed with beauty.  I am not exaggerating.

• 

• 

• 

Touring Machu Pichu in depth and hiking Huayana Picchu. 

• 

• 

• 

Machu Picchu Fun Facts

Machu Picchu is a Wonder of the World and a World Heritage-listed site, and, in 2007 Machu Picchu was voted one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

It has been known as a ‘lost city’, but in fact there were several farming families living in the surrounds of Machu Picchu when it was discovered by the explorer Hiram Bingham in 1911. Recent research points to many locals being aware of the site before it was catapulted into public popularity.

In the Quechua language, Machu Picchu translates to ‘Old Mountain’.  Huayana Picchu is ‘Young Mountain’. 

Many ruins throughout Peru are named in the indigenous language of Quechua, the communities that speak this language pre-date the Inca Civilization.

Leonardo da Vinci painted the Mona Lisa (1503-1506) during the height of the Inca empire

And, while the Inca’s were thriving in Peru, China was under the rule of the Ming Dynasty.

The Incas designed and built their world based entirely on the stars.