¡MACHU PICCHU!

La Historia

I will make this brief but meaningful because after all, the history of this place is absolutely crucial to understanding Peru and Cusco for all it has to offer. 

Machu Picchu was constructed in 1471, about 50 miles northwest of Cusco, and was reserved for housing the royal family. Although it was deserted about a century later (think 1570) during the Spanish conquest (even though the Spanish did not know anything about Machu Picchu) of South America, the site itself was not rediscovered until 1902 and officially not until 1911 (it's a pretty secluded, jungle area with a lot of mountains surrounding it - so it's not that weird that it took so long to be rediscovered).

Although the site was used for many things (think political, astronomical, and religious reasons) it was also a great place of protection - to this day it has proved to be extremely durable in the face of natural disaster. Like I said before, the site was abandoned around 1570 but the reasons are unclear - to this day the mountain receives fresh water and is very capable of sustaining life/food. It is believed that the people left abruptly to travel to another Inca site, maybe because of disease/sickness - many terracing walls in Machu Picchu stand out because they had been started but quickly abandoned, leaving scattered rocks and disorganization (very UNLIKE the Incan Empire).

*From Cusco we took a bus to Ollantaytambo (1.5 hrs) and then a train ride to Machu Picchu Pueblo (1 hr) where we stayed for the weekend. Prices were outrageous (actual American prices compared to 1/3 like Cusco is). Don't worry, we found a 4 for 1 happy hour, so I only had to pay 5 soles (less than $2 per drink...gotta love Peru!)

Now for some fun facts:

• Machu Picchu is a "New Wonder of the World"
• They did not need an irrigation system because of the terracing
• Only 40% of Machu Picchu is above ground - 60% is beneath the ground (think terracing, water channels, etc.) MIND BLOWN
• La Montaña Wayna Picchu was used especially for astronomy
• They are still restoring areas of Machu Picchu today
• Only current residents: Llamas ;)

Wayna Picchu

While "Machu Picchu" means "old peak", "Wayna Picchu" means "young peak". This mountain has many different translations (Huayna Picchu, Wayna Picchu, Wayna Pikchu...you get the idea). Yes, this is the mountain behind the ruins of Machu Picchu in the famous picture everyone knows...

So yes, that mountain in the middle with the high peak, I literally hiked to the highest point on the mountain. We were among the clouds and it was the most incredible experience I've ever had in my entire life. Here is a view of Machu Picchu from our hike...

Although about 5,000 visit Machu Picchu every single day, only 400 of those people are allowed to hike Wayna Picchu - SOOOO glad I was able to be a part of that number. It is a "Bucket List" type of thing for sure - if you're going to Machu Picchu and you don't complete the hike, it's a huge shame. I would've been kind of disappointed with Machu Picchu (I felt like I was in America - English everywhere and extremely touristy) had I not done the morning hike of Wayna Picchu. That being said, it is an extremely difficult hike...I was dripping, I repeat DRIPPING sweat for the entire climb up to the top. After 2 hours of hiking, we completed about 15,000 steps (and when I say steps, I mean steps). I didn't want to look at another stair case for the entire day.

I can't even begin to explain the rush of eating a snack on Wayna Picchu mountain, looking down at the entire ruins of Machu Picchu. Might be the coolest place I'll ever eat trail mix ;) We all had to keep reminding each other "Guys, we're at Machu Picchu!" It was beyond incredible and will definitely be a day of adventure I will never forget. #PinchMe

Special #ShoutOut

So blessed to have been able to get to know these people and experience some of the most amazing parts of our lives (adventuring around Peru) together!

*Sarah* 

My roomie and mom figure on this amazing trip. So blessed to share a homestay with her and learn all about the natural parts of life. She constantly reminds to me live in the moment and not look back!

*The Outcasts*

We call ourselves this because we prefer to be separate from the main group - think 45 people trying to hike one mountain... Savannah, 2nd from the right, is in both of my classes and her roommate, Hannah, in the middle. These girls are always up for an adventure and a good time - have appreciated their company on all of our adventures!