Machu Picchu is located at 2,430m (8,000 ft) and is often referred to as “The Lost City of the Incas.” It is a UNESCO Heritage site and as a symbol of the Inca Empire, it is one of the spectacular sets of ruins in the world.
My son and I traveled to Peru in 2006 and discovered the Amazon Jungle’s lush canopy, the llama-filled plains of the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu and the sacred land of the Incas.
Trip Overview:
We started our trip flying into Lima from Los Angeles. In Lima we met our tour guide and our group. Most of our group was from Ireland and were great company. We next flew into the Amazon jungle, caught a bus, and then a motorized boat down the river. We finally arrived at our lodge after hiking into the Madre de Dios area. We spent several days looking at wildlife on the lake and exploring the jungle. All the time putting on repellent to keep the big bugs away from us.
After our adventure in the Amazon, we flew back to the airport and to Cusco, the old Inca capital that the Spanish destroyed in their search for gold. After exploring Cusco, we then traveled by bus and a train up into the Andes to see one of the great wonders of the world, Machu Picchu.
OUR JOURNEY INTO THE AMAZON JUNGLE
Each day we would hike into the jungle and explore the magnificent fauna and flora in their natural habitat. We spotted macaws, monkeys, an Amazon rainforest crocodile, colorful birds, bats, and thousands of butterflies. Our guide also showed us the medicinal properties and practical uses of the plants
The scarlet Macaw is the icon of the Amazon rainforest. Scarlet Macaws are a predominantly red with stripes of blue and yellow across their feathers. They feed on nuts, seeds, and fruit, and range from Central America down to the Bolivian Amazon.
Termites, earthworms, and fungi are some of the decomposers that live in the Amazon Rain Forest. Termites make nests in the rainforest trees. They eat wood and are eaten by frogs, birds, and giant anteaters.
OUR JOURNEY TO THE ANCIENT CAPITAL OF CUSCO
After catching a flight to Cusco, we had spent a little time acclimating into the high altitude (3,450 m or about 11,300ft). We visited the local San Pedro market, the main square, and San Blas Square
The Incas were highly regarded for their architecture and masonry. Many of their structures have withstood the test of time and are still standing firm today.
MACHU PICCHU
We were hoping to get there early to get a sneak peak independently before a guided tour the following day”
I remember sitting in a cafe listening to the music from the “Five Spirits” by Alborada setting the mood for our adventure. I bought the CD and everytime I hear their music, I am reminded of our trip.
Alborada is a Peruvian group of native, Andean and contemporary music. Most of their songs are performed in Quechua and capture the essence of Andean music. Most of the instruments are Andean wind using flutes, quenas, toyos, zamponas, sikus, and antaras.
When climbing Huayna Picchu you must be very careful because it is built next to deep ravines and looks difficult. This can cause a climber to panic if they are afraid of heights. It is for these reasons, we decided not to make this climb.
Machu Picchu was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983, as well as one of the “New Seven Wonders of the World” in 2007.
My trip to the Amazon River and Machu Picchu with my son was an experience I will never forget. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to share my experience with you.
Tom Yeager
SUNRISE PRAYER AT MACHU PICCHU
I asked for abundance
and was told to find patience,
I asked for success
and was told to embrace failure,
I asked for knowledge
and was told to honor pain,
I asked for happiness
and was told to find honesty,
I asked for courage
and was told to face my greatest fear,
I asked to be worthy of love
and was told to open my heart,
I asked for more friends
and was told to find gratitude,
I asked to know my destiny
and was told to trust the great mystery,
I asked for strength to continue
and was reminded of the Peruvian proverb
“Little by Little, One Walks Far”