Do you ever feel like just picking up and embarking on an adventure, all by yourself? Well, that’s exactly what I did when I set out to explore the ancient Inca city of Machu Picchu. As a solo traveler, it was one of the most exhilarating and unforgettable experiences of my life. Join me as I take you on a journey through stunning landscapes, breathtaking ruins and memorable encounters with locals as I explored this incredible wonder of the world. Get ready for a tale worthy of legends!
My motivation for traveling to Machu Picchu
After months of planning and saving, I finally boarded a plane and headed to Machu Picchu, Peru. I was so excited to explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site that is said to be one of the most beautiful places on Earth.
Machu Picchu is located in the Andes Mountains and was built by the Inca Empire in the fifteenth century AD. The height of its peaks makes it difficult to see from anywhere else in Peru or South America, let alone from neighboring countries.
The site is amazing! It’s impossible to take everything in during a short visit, but here are some highlights:
Firstly, there’s Machu Picchu itself – an incredibly well-preserved city with walls, terraces and tunnels stretching up to 30 meters high. You can climb up to the top for incredible views of the surrounding countryside.
Next stop: The Sanctuary of Huayna Picchu (or “Old Woman”), which features extraordinary carvings including two immense heads that are more than 2.5 meters high. In addition, there are many brightly colored wall paintings depicting everyday life during the Inca empire.
To get a bit closer to nature, check out Saddleback Mountain (at 4,635 meters above sea level) where you can take amazing hikes among dense forests and Dawn Lakes – two sacred sites where Inca priests performed spiritual ceremonies according to traditional burial rituals.
Preparing for my Solo Trip to Machu Picchu
I’m finally packing my bags and preparing for my solo trip to Machu Picchu. This will be my first time visiting this famed site and I’m really excited to explore it on my own. My trekking gears are all packed, but I know there’s a lot I still need to do in order to make the most of my trip. Here are some tips for making the most of your solo adventure to Machu Picchu:
1. Know the essentials Before leaving, it’s important to know exactly what you need in order to make the trek to Machu Picchu. Make sure you have plenty of water (ideally bring enough for two days), food (enough for a day or two), sunscreen and insect repellent, a map outlining your route, sturdy shoes and clothes that will protect you from the elements, and a photocopier in case you run into any problems on your hike.
2. Prepare mentally as well as physically It goes without saying that preparation is key when travelling alone, but it also helps if you mentally prepare yourself for the challenge ahead. Believe that everything can be fixed if something does go wrong – remember that anything can happen on a solo hike (even something as simple as getting lost). Putting focus on your positive attitude will help reduce stress levels and make the journey easier overall.
3. Be patient The best thing you can do is arrive at Machu Pic chu prepared and relaxed – the views will be worth the wait. And remember – don’t forget to take plenty of photographs along the way! Ready to start your journey to Machu Picchu? We would love to help you plan your trip!
My 9 Day Solo Adventure to the Lost World of Machu Picchu
I’ve had the opportunity to travel to some amazing places over the course of my life, but I must say that when I set out on my solo trip to Machu Picchu, I didn’t know what to expect. The town is located in Peru and was built by the Incas in 1438-1439 AD. Even though it’s been around for centuries, it’s still a mystery as to how the Inca’s managed to build something so far away from any major population centers. The first day of my journey was a bit daunting as I had no idea where to start.
After wandering around aimlessly for a while, I came across a sign that pointed me in the right direction. The next few days were equally as frustrating as I couldn’t seem to find anything worthwhile photographically or historically. By the time I reached Machu Picchu, I was exhausted and just wanted to get home.
In spite of all its challenges, getting there was definitely worth it. Machu Picchu is one of those places that you can feel its power even if you’re not standing in front of it. It’s truly an awe-inspiring site and one that I’ll never forget. If you’re ever looking for an adrenalin rush then hiking up Huayna Picchu is definitely the way to go!
My Experience at Machu Picchu
When planning my solo trip to Machu Picchu, I hadn’t imagined it would be as amazing as it was. I arrived in Aguas Calientes on a balmy Monday afternoon and quickly discovered that the town bustled with tourists all vying for the same vantage points of the site. Standing atop Roca Suiza (the most popular spot), I had an unobstructed view of Machu Picchu and the surrounding countryside.
Although the UNESCO World Heritage Site can be crowded during peak season, early morning and late evening offer pockets of relative tranquility in which to wander its vast terraces. From here you can also see Salkantay trekking trail winding its way up to Hirachina Peak – one of the mountain peaks overlooking Machu Picchu – and get an idea of just how daunting this ancient city must have been to conquer. I remained at Roca Suiza for two days before venturing out on foot into the Sacred Valley. Climbing steep switchbacks through dense rainforest, it took me around four hours to make my way up to Ayllusuncho temple.
From here, views of Machu Picchu were stunningly uninterrupted from any angle you looked from. Continuing on from Ayllusuncho, I passed by Incan ruins like Qoricancha and Saqqara before arriving at Mirador Huayna Picchu where panoramic views across both valleys make this rooftop viewpoint one of the most iconic in all of
Advice for First Time Trippers to Machu Picchu
If you’re thinking of traveling to Machu Picchu, but are unsure of where to start, these tips will help make your trip a success!
Before You Go
There are a few things you’ll want to take into account before planning your trip to Machu Picchu:
– The altitude at which you’re traveling : This shouldn’t be a problem for most tourists, but if you’re not used to high altitudes or respiratory problems, it might be a good idea to prepare for them beforehand by taking necessary precautions (including drinking plenty of water and packing a travel medicine kit).
– Weather conditions : While there’s no guarantee that weather conditions will be unfavorable on your visit to Machu Picchu (in fact, they usually are not), it’s always something worth keeping in mind. For example, heavy rains can cause extreme erosion on some parts of the ruins, so caution is always advised when trekking around these areas.
Conclusion
As I sit here now, looking back on my journey to Machu Picchu, it feels like nothing short of a miracle that everything came together as planned. From re-packing and traveling for four days for work on crunches with the P90X EXTREME Workout DVD to successfully hiking up to Machu Picchu’s sacred peak using alpine trekking gear, there have been countless moments where I’ve doubted whether or not this trip would actually happen. So thank you for reading along and I hope that by documenting my experience you might be inspired to take your own solo adventure down some personal paths of your own.