Machu Picchu

I feel a huge challenge trying to describe through words and photos the magnitude of energy and massive beauty that this place holds. If Machu Piccu has been on your “list” or this page intrigues you whatsoever, please remember:

YOU ARE THE ONLY ONE THAT CAN MAKE IT HAPPEN… SO DO IT!

Earlier in the week we met a retired tour guide. He invited the 3 of us to sit close as he described in full detail the secerets of making the best of this experience. From the less known routes to the best times to be in certain places. He was so kind to “let us in”.

TAKE NOTE: I will not be exposing all of these hidden treasures. If you are arranging to go to this sacred place, please email me directly and I will then possibly share more information… Maybe.

3:30 alarm clock and my eyes have no problem adjusting to the dark as I tip toe around the other backpackers who are peacefully sleeping their “sunrise on the mountain” away (enter sneaky giggle here).

We are on one of the first busses to the top of the ridge and can actually see the entrance gates! I must add during the ride we met a sweet girl from Switzerland that was traveling alone… A new friend! We invite her to join us and now there are 4.

As we near the gentleman taking tickets, I hear “passport ID please”…. I feel my heart hit my feet and my stomach hit my throat. I didn’t have it on me. I had made it all the way to the entry gates with no form of ID to prove that I, Erika Young was indeed the ticket holder of “Erika Young”. He asked me to step aside so others could enter. As I make eye contact with my sad stricken friends on the other side, I realize there was no “talking” my way through this one.

I closed my eyes (seriously stood there with my eyes closed for a min) and said to myself “he will let me in”.

I hear “seniority…miss!” I opened my eyes to see him flagging me over. As I approach he says “I’m only allowed to excuse one a day, go ahead.” I may of heard bells of “Hallelujah” at that moment, either way I take only a second to thank him then rush through before any mind changing could happen. I’m in!

We follow our confidential intstructions from our new friend (the retired tour guide) and up we go. Steps, stones, rocks, stairs, curves, cliffs and ridges… We reach a peak and stop to observe the sun rising over this beautiful city. Please excuse the bum shot but I wanted to show the extreme of some of the steps.

Not only are we alone up top, but observe the number of tourist that haven’t reached the lower city yet:

After watching the sunrise and toasting to the incredible beginning of this adventure, we make our way down into the city.

On the left is a woman who was in the much later years of life being piggy backed all the way to the center… What’s your excuse?

…and of course I was honored to add this one to the list!