18
Location: Machu Picchu
This morning we woke up excited to visit the famous ruins of Machu Picchu. After a quick breakfast of typical Peruvian cuisine, we walked to our bus stop. The train was long but well worth it. As soon as we arrived, we applied sunscreen and bug spray because they were important necessities for the long hike ahead. Our tour guide, Santiago, led us all around the Machu Picchu ruins and showed us all of the important monuments, views, and pieces of historical significance around the area. The scenery of the vast mountains and historical architecture was spectacular from everyone in the mountains. We spent a few hours exploring the Machu Picchu ruins, and then we started our hike to the Sun Gate, an adjacent mountain with a panoramic view of the Machu Picchu ruins. The road was rocky, and the mountain was steep, but the view at the top was stunning. Enjoying the gorgeous skyline, we took a quick break to refill on water, snakes, and energy. The entire walk back we were in awe as we carefully hiked down the mountain, watching the Machu Picchu ruins the whole time. Leaving the park, we reflected our on our once in a lifetime experience in Machu Picchu. We ate a late lunch and boarded our train back to Ollantaytambo. We felt a little bittersweet about getting some rest, but we had to leave this amazing part of our lives in the past.