"Your driver’s name is Kevin. He will be picking you up at the airport with a sign displaying your name. I'll prepare some snacks for you for the journey".
And just like that, the moment I landed in Cusco airport, I was on my way to Machu Picchu. The sky was blue, the sun was shining, and the wind was crisp. “Engineered for Whatever", read the signage at the airport. Slipping on my puffer jacket, I felt a thrill: here I was at last in Cusco. What a journey to get here.
Kevin asked if I’d like some coffee before heading to Machu Picchu. "It’s a two-hour drive" he said. Just off the plane, I thought I’d stick to water. What a fool I was. Peruvian coffee is a treat! Even the coffee at my hotel was better than most.
Kevin hit the gas pedal hard, racing from the airport to PeruRail station since we were tight on time. My group was waiting for me, as my flight had been canceled, requiring lots of rescheduling to make this trip to Machu Picchu happen. At the end, the sunken cost is too high to give up, despite the fact that I just flew 40hours. "Once in a lifetime trip," they said.
Kevin whisked me out of Cusco's center in a flash, the car's engine humming softly as we sped along. I sat quietly, gazing out at a new land alive with color and motion. As we moved away from city center, the landscape grew more rugged, the mountains loomed taller, the road became bumpier. For a long stretch, I saw no one - just endless parade of mountains. I remembered when the travel agent asking if I was ok traveling alone? Now I understood what she meant. Me alone in a foreign country, going into a no man land with slow internet and spotty signal. I’ve actually never traveled this alone before.
It wasn’t a busy day at the train station. My car had only a few people, and I moved to an empty window seat for a better view. The train ride was spectacular, with large window and a glass ceiling offering view of nature from all angles. The one- hour -and -40 mins ride felt like watching a Nat Geo documentary from the front row of a theatre. At one point I saw people trekking along the Inca trails like ants. One man waved at us frantically. I wasn’t sure if he was excited or signaling for help…Either way, I just sat there and did nothing. Heartless woman.
Bruno, my tour guide, sent me his photo via whatsapp so I could recognize him. He is already waiting for me at MP train station together with 4 other guests from Hong Kong and Turkey. I thought the train ride was the end of the journey, but no - after that, there was a 30 mins bus ride to the magical Machu Picchu. We joined in a long line and waited 30mins before boarding the bus. There I saw a giant cactus tree as tall as 3 stories building and resisted the urge to carve my name on it.
We were lucky. It was a sunny day in Machu Picchu, allowing us to see everything clearly and with Bruno's guide, we all learned something about this magnificent landscape. Picchu means mountain and Machu means old. The site is named after an old mountain guarding it. Built in the 15th century and re-discovered in 20th century by some explorers, the site itself is divided into 3 sections: the agricultural, the residential and the religious area where Inca performed spiritual activities. Each section featured unique architecture, and no one knows how exactly how it was constructed. Stones stacked upon by one another formed a remarkable system. Seven trails wind through Machu Picchu, believed to have been used by the Inca for trade to survive and thrive. No one knows precisely why Machu Picchu was built yet various theories suggest that different generations and cultures contributed to the site we see today.
As we walked around, touching the stones, I couldn’t help but wonder if I had been here in a past life. I hadn't planned to visit yet after 2 days on the road, I stood on this land of wonder, history and mystery. I tried to soak in the moment, to grasp its significance impact in my life but perhaps I tried too hard. So, I let it go and simply enjoyed walking with my group. It wasn't an ordinary day - hanging out with people from Hong Kong, Peru and Turkey, learning something fascinating, watching the llamas chewing grass, taking pictures and sharing jokes. Bruno told us a former Peruvian president once spent the night at the Sun temple. Later, he took his own life, though Bruno noted it might not be related. Curious, I asked why the president wanted to stay there overnight. Bruno said, “I don’t do much research into his mind…”
Visting Machu Picchu requires months of planning in advance due to the logistics - train, bus, flight tickets, meals, etc. I simply booked the tour and forgot about it until the day I boarded the plane. Had I planned better, I might avoided altitude sickness and saved some money. Either way, I am grateful for the experience, for being there even briefly, for my boss sending me and for my job that takes me to incredible places.
The walk through the site was easy though many wonder how to dress. Honestly and proudly, I dressed perfectly for the occasion and returned from the trip in one piece. That's one perks of being an insider for sport industry for a few years, especially for an outdoor brand such as Columbia. Curious about my gear? Here's the list for you!
Columbia longsleeve tee - perfect for hiking under the sun; keeping you cool and protected with UV-resistant fabric
Columbia insulated jackets - essential for night time travel. Columbia JKTS are top-notched with omni heat infinity technology.
Columbia pants - lightweight pants are ideal for September as the weather isn't too cold at noon
Columbia hiking boots - stylish and protective. Ensure your outsoles are suited for multi terrain grip as even in city cobblestones can be tricky with out it.
Some sunglasses - I chose lightweight Goodr sport sunglasses; perfect for the day. My everyday sunglasses might have been a little too heavy for this but use what works for you.
Columbia mountain hat - the sun is intense at high elevations so cap, bucket hat, beanies is a must for day and night. I also packed a scarf to shield my neck from burning sun.
Columbia backpack -Mine worked well though a slightly larger one might be fine too. Inside is: 3 jackets (warm jkt, light rain jkt, fleece jkt) and some portable powerbank, medicine, water bottle with some snacks and passports and of course, lipsticks and sunscreen :)
Final tips: layering is always the best. Take your altitude sickness pills to condition yourself prior to the trip. Exchange for some coins and carry spare tissues for bathrooms. Treat yourself to some Peruvian coffee and chocolates from reputable shops - it might be your once in a lifetime trip!
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