The Inexplicable Haven called “Machu Picchu”
Witnessing Machu Picchu reminded me of “Albert Einstein famous quote: “The most beautiful thing we can experience is the mysterious. It is the source of all true art and science.”
There are many myths recorded in reference to this magical city and there is no doubt why it is voted as one of the “New 7 Wonders of the World.” Popularly known as the Lost City of Incas, Machu Picchu is more than a mysterious, ancient city. It is the most spectacular archaeological Incan site in South America.
I was super excited preparing myself prior to seeing Machu Picchu. But I realized that I had to focus myself first on what I am here for. During the week of the 24th of January, I spent most of my time at the Pumamarca School doing the normal volunteer teaching with the kids and construction works.
On the night of January 26, we had to send off another great volunteer – Vanessa. We celebrated her fiesta de despidida (farewell party) along with the observance of Australia Day at Don Ceferino Pizzeria. The pizzeria is located in Plaza de Armas. The average meal in Don Ceferino is 25 Soles. Don Ceferino’s had great food and selections of pizzas and the service was relatively good. We ordered, sat and enjoyed people watching and witnessing a number Australian tourists celebrating Australia Day as they proudly paraded the Australian flags on their shoulders. Heavy rains fell in the middle of the night, disrupting our plan to finish off the day at an Australian bar. We all ended up going back to the house earlier.
Thursday, 27th of January: This was the most awaited day for all the volunteers. It was our day off and a time to witness and savor Santuza’s Peruvian cooking. Her dishes have truly inspired our gastronomic palate to reach beyond the stars. We started with a nice soup made of ‘Quinua Real’ – Peruvian grains and spinach. The main course was a Peruvian chicken style curry. It was so delicious, and mind you, I never felt guilty after eating beyond my normal serving. We ended up the meal with Santuza’s famous cake. This time she made a banana cake. This has surely beaten my usual 2 minutes noodle meal treat. It was a yummy lunch. We had lots of chats and guffaws. Jane (Peru’s Challenge Founder) and Nico from Ultimate Tours joined us. All sort of ideas were shared over lunch: we talked about how to make millions in Peru: like Santuza publishing her own cookbook and name it ‘Santuza’s Challenge,’ and Nico starting a Peruvian food-chain ‘cuy’ (guinea pig, a regional delicacy) and call it IFC (Incas Fried Cuy).
Friday 28th of January: Another free day for the volunteers with the exception of Alex who left early morning to do the Machu Picchu trek for 4 days. Mark & I spent our free day by visiting The Archaeological Park Saqsayhuaman by cab in the afternoon, to capture the stunning panoramic view of Cuzco. After the visit, we walked back towards Plaza de Armas via the cobbled street of Pumacurco. The nice 10 minutes walk led us to pass by a number of 5 star hotels. We also had the chance to go and visit the roof top bar and terrace of Marcelo Batata Restaurant and Lounge Bar where you can have a spectacular view of Cuzco. After the hotel hopping, we then continued strolling until we reached at Los Perros Restaurant for an early dinner snack: a delectable crunchy long chicken rolls and a smoothie.
Saturday 29th of January: Another relaxing day spent in the house as we prepare our trip to Machu Picchu, which is scheduled the following day at 6.30am. We spent almost the entire day watching DVD movies and culminated the day with a relaxing massage from the Social Worker/Massage Therapist. After an hour of massage, she served me a homemade preserved peach in light sugar syrup on a small serving glass bowl. I was hesitant to eat as I was unsure how it was prepared but when I found out it was boiled, I slowly ate a piece. I felt bad as she might think I did not like it. The truth is, I have always been very careful what to eat during my travels.
Sunday, 30th of January: We boarded at 6:35 am, for our 1hr and 45min bus ride to the Ollantaytambo Train Station which will take us another 1hr.30mins ride via Perurail train to Aguas Calientes – the doorway to Machu Picchu. It was an impressive train ride. I enjoyed the spectacular stretches of the riverside, the massive mountains and verdant farmlands. It was like going through the jungle.
We finally arrived in Aguas Calientes at 11:30 am. Aguas Calientes is the closest town to Machu Picchu. It has a good choice for reasonably priced hotels as an alternative to the pricey Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge which is the sole hotel in the Sanctuary. Aguas Calientes has also many natural hot baths and which is how the town got its name – “hot waters” in Spanish.
We checked in at the President Hotel. Although the rooms may not live up to the 3 star standard, we found the hotel very convenient and cozy. After we had brought our luggage in our rooms, we started exploring the small town in the midst of the persisting seasonal afternoon rain.
The following day, Monday, 31st January, was our scheduled tour to Machu Picchu. I went to this tour packed with bottled water, 4 snack bars for lunch, a book, umbrella, passport/immigration paper slip and of course the most vital item, my camera. I was so excited that I will be setting foot on the Seven Wonders of the World. The moment I set my foot at the doorsteps of the archaeological master of Peru, it was difficult to describe my feeling. It was a beautiful moment for me that I can not explain. At the gate, there was a restaurant but the foods were relatively expensive. Remember to have your passport stamped when entering the site.
We started our 2-3 hours tour at 9 am. Esmeralda, our fabulous tour guide, was very good and gave us an in depth and extremely enjoyable tour of the ancient city. We started off by visiting the top section where most photos you see on magazines and brochures are taken. It was also the perfect spot to witness and gaze the pure beauty of this magical and mysterious city. I was overwhelmed. The place exudes calm and peace.
As I looked down, the mist started to cover the top part of the city. And within half an hour, the rain started pouring. But the tour continued and ended at around 12.00pm at the ‘Fuentes,’ – the ritual fountains. This was a good resting area where I spent a good hour to feel and experience its pure beauty.
After the tour, we went to grab a pizza at the Pizzeria Restaurant Hot Springs. Our pizza treat was complemented by a Peruvian band serenading us at the entry door of the restaurant. After the delectable pizza, we all boarded the train at 4.15pm for departure at 5.00pm to return back to Cuzco.
I left Machu Picchu so happy the fact that I have fulfilled a lifelong dream. Until now I am still in awe of the place and still feel the inexplicable spiritualism and aura about the place.
© 2012 by Michelle Riel, retains sole copyright to her contributions to all the contents of this site.
