Opting for a second day at Machu Picchu provided us the opportunity to explore this mystifying place on our own. Having done my own research on Machu Picchu, I wanted to seek out some of the sights our guide didn’t have the time to point out, and I also wanted time to explore the edges of the ruins in search of birds that I had dreamed of seeing ever since I received my “Birds of Peru” book. How nice it was to meander at a relaxed pace around the ruins and imagine what this place was really like 100’s of year ago.
We arrived early enough to see the sun rise over the mountains and filter in to one of the many temples constructed to observe such natural events. It saddened me to think that we’ve become a race of beings that has forgotten to realize that we don’t need a watch or a calendar to mark the changing of the seasons, but there is a rhythm that the Earth is speaking if we only take the time to listen. I think the Inca had that enlightened ability, and I was honored to be able to witness a glimpse of this astounding place.
I won’t even say that all good things come to end because I knew that boarding the train back to Ollantaytambo and then to travel back to Cuzco would bring more opportunity to embrace this wonderful country.
I used to think that if money were no problem that I would want to just travel. But I learned something as I remained the only one awake on our drive from Ollantaytambo to Cuzco...if I DID travel a lot, would I take it for granted?
I wouldn't let myself fall asleep on this drive. I didn't want to miss a single moment of the scenic drive of this amazing country. I just wanted to soak it all in so that I could take it home with me and never let it go.
Somehow, I managed to stay awake the whole ride back and I was rewarded with a view that I didn’t expect I would see. One of the festivals that I wanted to witness on a trip to Peru was Qoyllur Rit’i, but sadly I knew I would miss that opportunity by about a week. I thought it was enough that I was able to see Mount Ausangate from our ride back to Cuzco (not to mention the Ukuku on our train), but to my surprise, a van filled with Qoyllur Rit’i participants passed our van on their return home from this pilgrimage. They were still dressed in the celebration outfits and were shouting from their vehicles and still enjoying the festival they had recently departed. Sure, it wasn’t the same as being there…but maybe it was a glimpse of a trip to come.
COSTA RICA a trip of a life time travelling round this beautiful country. All went like clockwork even when the weather was against us and all transfers seemed to be part of the holiday not a chore. Would definitely use Adventure Life again having previously used them 20 years ago!!
Cynthia Calton
5 hours ago
Adventure Life helped me plan my trip to Antarctica. They always responded fast to my emails and were a pleasure to deal with.
Debbie W
23 hours ago
From the initial meeting and planning process with our trip planner Jess, through to the finalizing of our itinerary, trip details and questions, I was very impressed with the professionalism, thoroughness, organization and attention to details. I would highly recommend Adventure Life to anyone looking to plan a unique travelling experience, knowing that the expertise and experience provided will result in a seamless trip of a lifetime.
Lynn Farquharson
1 day ago
The travel specialists we've worked with for 2 vacations have made the trip planning process easy! They ask good questions to ensure they understand our goals and likes and have done an excellent job matching adventures with our preferences - even suggesting things we would not have thought about on our own!
Amy
2 days ago
Erin is great to work with on our adventure to Antartica. She gave us great choices and is very knowledgeable about the options. Her recommendations saved us from making some big mistakes.