Magic Machu Picchu

Yesterday we took a very special train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, which is basically the suburb of Machu Picchu. The train is called Perurail and is luxury of the highest class by Peruvian standards. The train had onboard service like an airplane with a huge chocolate cookie and delicious juices. The entire train is filled with panoramic windows and travels through the beautiful landscape and mountains and valleys to the point where the Inca Trail leads to Machu Picchu. It feels a bit like riding on the Hogwarts Express 😊 The seats are comfortable and the cabins are equipped with small tables.

Machu Picchu is a ruin, probably the most beautiful in the world. It was inhabited by the Incas in the 15th century and rediscovered in 1912.

We explored the small town during the day, had a cozy dinner in the evening, and tried to go to bed early. However, we were awake all night and didn't get any sleep. Whether this was due to the fact that our vacation was nearing its long-awaited climax, or the river right next to our hostel was roaring so loudly - we don't know.

So in the morning, we forced ourselves out of bed, there was no sleeping anyway. A quick breakfast, and at 6:30 in the morning we took the bus up. We had a 2.5-hour tour of the ruins and got a first impression. Without a doubt, I can say that this was my absolute highlight. When you stand up there, your breath is taken away and you have no words to describe the breathtaking beauty of this place. Hardly anywhere else is the harmony of nature and culture as alive as in Machu Picchu. The sight of the complex on the flattened mountain top at an altitude of 2,400 meters, surrounded by dense tropical vegetation and a dramatic mountain range, has something mystical, something mysterious. This place has a special energy that is unique. Full of enthusiasm, my mom and I climbed up to the Sun Gate (a part of the famous Inca Trail) for about an hour and enjoyed some moments in complete silence. I had to shed a few tears, this kind of thing doesn't leave my emotionless heart cold. After descending, we had lunch in town and are now on our way back to Cusco. From there, I will fly to the capital Lima tomorrow, stay one night in a hotel, and then fly to the Galapagos Islands on the 12th of April. There I will meet my Couchsurfing buddy Diego, to whom I will bring a real Peruvian canned beer if desired.

Peru is definitely worth a trip and I think the time with my mom will always be remembered. In a few months, I might even laugh about our hike through the Colca Canyon or my first hospital stay of my life :) Definitely!