Since I was in High School and first learned about Machu Picchu, from my Spanish teacher, I’ve wanted to go to Peru. She was Peruvian and had shared with us about her people, culture, and history. Being raised in a proud Mexican-American family, I was fascinated with this other group of Latino history. Life went on… but I always thought about Peru, and especially Machu Picchu. I figured it was one of those places that I put on my bucket list and go to before I die. Whenever someone asked, where do you want to go? I would always without hesitation answer Machu Picchu.
Imagine my surprise when it became a reality before I was ready to visit the Almighty. We originally had planned on going to Germany for Oktoberfest in Sept 2015. We landed up buying a house and had to cancel that trip. Then, our very good friend told us she was going to Peru for Thanksgiving in November. That’s when we invited ourselves on her trip home. We had to jump on the opportunity to experience Peru. I have to admit, other than our wedding, there was never a trip I was most anticipating in my life.
My Machu Picchu Dream Come True! We arrived in Aguas Caliente!
We landed in Lima on Friday. We flew to Cusco on Monday. I took the pills to help me acclimate to the altitude, which I highly recommend. We also drank plenty of Coco de Mate, which helped me immensely. We took the 2nd train to Machu Picchu on Tuesday morning. It was a 3hr, slow train ride to Aguas Caliente.
My Machu Picchu Dream Come True! Welcome to Machu Picchu!
Aguas Caliente is the town directly below Machu Picchu. After getting to Aguas Caliente, we had to buy bus tickets to get up to Machu Picchu. Then, we had to go to the Tourism office for our admittance tickets to Machu Picchu. Yes, it would be easier if it was in the same place, but it’s not. They only accept cash, which is also important to know, as my husband had to find a cash machine when we found out they don’t accept credit cards of any sort.
My Machu Picchu Dream Come True! Welcome to Machu Picchu!
After that experience, we had to wait in line for the bus. There is only one station for this. The winding bus ride up the mountain is about 25 minutes. Everyone is excited and scared to death going up this narrow and steep mountain. It’s even scarier going back down.
Welcome to Machu Picchu!
I think I prayed the whole way down the mountain. Alas, we arrived at the entry of Machu Picchu, and we didn’t see anything initially. They have a station where we could stamp our passports with a stamp of Machu Picchu, which has become my favorite stamp on my passport to date. We were approached by several tour guides. We found one that spoke in English, as we were with a non-Spanish speaking friend. He was an accredited tour guide, knowledgeable, patient, and knew where to take all the best pictures. He was well worth what we paid him. I felt he enhanced our experience because he was able to walk us through and explain everything to us about the history and the Inca Empire.
My Machu Picchu Dream Come True!
Machu Picchu is truly magnificent. There are really no words that could accurately describe it’s majesty. It has breathtaking views in whatever direction we looked.
My Machu Picchu Dream Come True! Team JP Travelers In Love.
I’m truly thankful my husband and I experienced this once in a lifetime experience together. It taught me, it’s never too early to pursue my dreams. Life is short. Life is unpredictable. It was not only an adventure of a lifetime but a spiritual awakening in knowing anything is possible. I felt on top of the world at Sun Gate. Now, excuse me, while I go update my bucket list and proudly scratch off my number 1. Mission accomplished.
My Machu Picchu Dream Come True! Look Ma, I’m on top of the world!
I’m living proof that dreams do come true!
wonderful post
Thank you so much! Happy Travels!
welcome
Machu Picchu has been at the top of my travel list for years. It looks amazing! Thanks for sharing.
Thank you for reading! I truly hope you get the opportunity. It’s pretty awesome, but you already know that. Cheers and happy travels!!
Glad you had such a great time! I loved the hike there and spent hours exploring the ruins. Your teacher would be so happy you made it there!
Right! I wish there was some way to let her know. Thanks!
I am so jealous right now. I have been wanting to go for a long time to Peru and especially Machu Picchu. Really great photos, you must have been the best time.
I hope you make it one day! I promise it definitely doesn’t disappoint! Happy Travels!
This is so much better than Oktoberfest in Germany, trust me! 😀 Great tips and nice photos — you really made me want to go there even more.
Lol! That’s what a hear! I really hope you get to experience it for yourself! Happy Travels!
You look radiant! Congratulations, so happy you are living your dreams. Keep going!
Aw great 🙂 so nice that it lived up to your expectations! I have ALWAYS wanted to go to Macchu Picchu but something always comes up and I end up going somewhere else and pushing it back. Someday for sure! Great post 🙂
It looked gorgeous!!!!
What a great experience and such breathtaking scenery. I’d like to go someday…although I think I’d be a little scared when it came to those narrow roads on the way up down:)
Machu Picchu is indeed a fantastic and one in a lifetime experience. I scratched it off my bucket list earlier this year as well. It was fun to read your post. And totally agree, dreams do come true 🙂
OMG I cant wait to go. thank you for sharing your story. very inspirational!
Beautiful nature and such a great experience! The article is very inspiring!
“Then, our very good friend told us she was going to Peru for Thanksgiving in November. That’s when we invited ourselves on her trip home.” HAHAHA! I love this. This is how all my trips start – I basically invite myself along. Sounds like you had a fantastic time – one possibly far more fulfilling than Oktoberfest (emotionally and culturally, as opposed to physically with beer). Great shots too!
Hahaha… yes! The more the merrier right? Yes, looking back it was probably a better option than Oktoberfest. Lol!
This is amazing! I have always wanted to go to Machu Picchu – hopefully soon. Thanks for the tips on pills for altitude and the cash/tickets situation, noted that down!
Yes, now we remind everyone that they need cash.
P.S. it is amazing! I hope you get to go soon!
Great post, been on my bucket list for a while so was motivating to read your post 🙂
Awesome! You won’t regret it and I suggest do it sooner rather than later in life. I seen older people struggling to get around.