Machu Picchu by bike, raft, & zipline

Classic shot of Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu has always struck me as a right of passage for any traveler even moderately interested in adventure, culture, and history. Don't get me wrong, the stunning architecture is a modern marvel which earned its place as one of the new 7 Wonders of the World and as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The polished dry stone walls, where stones were cut with impossible precision without the use of modern tools, and were built to withstand earthquakes and climate erosion are truly impressive. I studied Inca ruins throughout Cusco and it boggles my mind that such precision was possible with 15th-century technology. Built around 1450 and abandoned around a century later, the purpose of Machu Picchu remains unknown. Fascinating theories exist speculating that it was a retreat for royalty, a holy nunnery, or was built to honor the natural "holy landscape." The Inca believed the sun to be their divine ancestor and during solstices and equinoxes, the rising and setting of the sun align with religiously significant mountains from certain viewpoints within Machu Picchu.

That said, seeing Machu Picchu photos in so many people's Facebook timeline and a friend telling me every girl he meets online features Machu Picchu photos on her profile made me less excited about my visit there. I was more excited about Choquequirao, "the other Machu Picchu", other magnificent Inca ruins that are very difficult to get to, meaning only 30 people visit each day, compared to Machu Picchu's 3-5,000 daily visitors. As a solo traveler who enjoys off-the-beaten-path, non-touristy adventures, Choquequirao was the main purpose of my trip to Peru and I considered even skipping Machu Picchu. Thankfully, I reconsidered.

First day = 50k bike ride through Andes Mountains outside Cusco

Stunning views during the entire trek to Machu Picchu

My original plan was to take the train to Machu Picchu, run through it quickly, then take the train back to Cusco so I could get on with my month-long journey through Peru. I was planning my Machu Picchu trip as I would schedule an appointment to renew my drivers license - it needed to be done, I wanted to do it, but I also wanted to get it over with. Then I learned of the 4-day Inca Jungle Trek, which combines hiking, biking, rafting, and zip lining (canopy) through the mountains. I was sold. Days often started around 4am and were packed with adventure and information. We made jungle stops to see monkeys, learn about coca leaf production, and how the Inca used natural seeds like achiote as makeup and war paint. A knowledgeable guide is absolutely necessary to get the most out of the trip and I was fortunate to have such a spectacular guide that I'm working with him to organize a group tour there in May 2018. Contact me for details!

Zip lining through the Andes mountains

Joined part of the original Inka Trail during our trip

Rafting along the Urubamba River (do NOT bring a camera on the boat)

In order to avoid having 1,000 people in your photo (literally), it's a good idea to be in line by 3:30am for the 5:30am buses up the hill. If you plan to hike, you should start by 4:30am to be at the front of the line for the 6am opening. It's a very challenging hike so while I met young, active guys who did it in 40 minutes, I also met many people who took 90 minutes, some of whom described the steep hike as "the worst decision on their trip." Note that there are NO bathrooms inside Machu Picchu so you'll want to use the paid restroom outside the main entrance. Heavy cloud cover and rain are common (especially November - March), so be patient as the clouds come and go as they attempt to ruin your photos. To fully explore Machu Picchu requires more than the 6 hours allotted to morning visitors. I spent 7 hours there, worried I may have problems leaving after the 12pm exit time printed on my ticket, and I didn't even get to explore Machu Picchu Mountain or Wayna Picchu Mountain, both requiring additional tickets, time, and energy to climb and view.

Playing with parrots at one of our hike stops

Last leg of the journey, a two-hour trek that can also be done by train

"I don't need bug spray. Mosquitoes don't bother me"

The famous Machu Picchu llamas

Despite my initial lack of enthusiasm, I couldn't be happier with my visit to Machu Picchu and am so excited to lead group trips there in May, 2018. I will, however, insist on my guests wearing long sleeves and bug repellent to avoid being eaten alive, as I was. Fortunately, locals sell a regular bar of hand soap that is just as effective as bug repellent, minus all the chemicals.

Below is a sampling of photos from my trip to Machu Picchu and you can find more on my Facebook page. Scroll down for tips on what to pack for a trek to Machu Picchu!

Cloudy, as usual, in Machu Picchu

The view from the Sun Gate

Packing for Machu Picchu

Given how much I travel, I have a good selection of travel gear - find my favorite travel products in my Travel Store! That said, I'm not a hardcore hiker/camper so I didn't know what to pack to hike Machu Picchu. I researched hiking gear and other products that would make my hike more enjoyable and comfortable. I didn't want to go through plastic water bottles so I got an amazing water filter that I've also used through trips to Malaysia and Mexico. Below are the items I packed for the Machu Picchu trek and used EVERY day. You want your gear light so microfiber towels, dry sacks (that compress the air out of your clothes and save a TON of space) are mandatory. Light-weight, moisture-wicking, anti-microbial clothing such as synthetics or wool are typically recommended for hiking, especially in regions such as Machu Picchu, as the weather changes dramatically from morning to afternoon to evening.

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