Comments on: Trekking in the Andes (Part 3): Machu Picchu

By: Mary

Mary — Mon, 17 Jul 2023 16:40:55 +0000

Amazing pictures!

By: Nora Dunn

Nora Dunn — Tue, 15 Jul 2014 17:19:01 +0000

In reply to Mia Adventurer. Thanks, Mia! I was just talking about Machu Picchu with a friend earlier today...and remembering just how special and other-worldly it is.

By: Mia Adventurer

Mia Adventurer — Tue, 15 Jul 2014 03:51:39 +0000

I am absolutely in awe of your photo’s! You have captured the essence of what Machu Picchu has to offer so beautifully. This takes me back to my Machu Picchu expedition, the Classic Inca Trail, and what a magical journey it was. Exploring the many passageways and stone structures, the hike itself…such an epic experience!

By: Nora Dunn

Nora Dunn — Thu, 22 May 2014 19:17:46 +0000

In reply to Molly.

Hi Molly,
Although it was too bad you didn’t catch Machu Picchu around the first time, these things happen. There is so much to discover in and around Cusco as it is – as you found out. Machu Picchu will be there next time around. 😉

By: Molly

Molly — Wed, 21 May 2014 16:09:53 +0000

Great info and love these photos. We spent – believe it or not – two months in Cusco and neither my son Blake or I did Machu Picchu! Serious! I have CFS and a mix of health stuff, was enjoying daily treks around, visiting Pisac, the town itself that I loved… but skipped the trip and did a short volunteer stint instead. Blake decided to spend the cash for his trip partying with his musician rasta friends… great bunch of guys.

So reading this (and seeing all the great photos) makes me a just a TAD jealous… and I do need to go back some day 🙂

By: Nora Dunn

Nora Dunn — Wed, 14 May 2014 23:30:16 +0000

In reply to Libby Walkup.

Thanks, Libby! I’m having fun with the creative editing studio on my Nokia Lumia 1020 camera phone.
(Here’s my review of the phone if you’re interested): https://www.theprofessionalhobo.com/cell-phone-travel-basics-international-phone-plans-sim-cards-and-more/

By: Nora Dunn

Nora Dunn — Wed, 14 May 2014 23:07:08 +0000

In reply to Wynne. Thank you so much Wynne! What a story. Looks like it might be time for you to return to Peru... :-)

By: Libby Walkup

Libby Walkup — Wed, 14 May 2014 01:19:51 +0000

Your photos make all of it look like tiny miniature landscapes one might play a Lego person or smurf on. So. Freaking. Amazing.

By: Wynne

Wynne — Tue, 13 May 2014 03:43:54 +0000

Wow, am I envious of your guided experience! Like you, I had a nasty intestinal “bug” when we visited Peru 15 years ago. We spent 3 days on the Inca trail en route to Machu Picchu (carrying our camping gear, as this was before the mandatory porter service was instituted). When we arrived at Machu Picchu in the late afternoon on the 3rd day, we knew there wasn’t sufficient time to explore the ruins, and our permit allowed us only one day to view them. So we spent the night in Aguas Calientes, and saved our permit for the next day, returning up the same track you did to the entrance. Then we hiked up to Templo de la Luna and Mt. Machu Picchu. I was feeling light-headed and shaky the entire way, and kept having spells of hot flashes alternating with chills. Yet it was stunning and so worth it! The sad part of the tale is that by the time we hiked back to the main citadel, I had used all my energy and could barely stand; it was clear I had the highest fever of my life. I laid down beneath one of the 2 trees left within the main ruins and stared at the sky, cursing myself for not being able to explore this place I had dreamed of all my life (your included “failure” blog rang true for me after this experience–I too had been a mountaineer, and another phase of our Peru travels took us high into the Cordillera Blanca with an attempt of Mt. Pisco–a blizzard turned us back; it’s still there waiting for us). From the minute I left the ruins, I have told myself, I must come back and tour Machu Picchu properly. And if I get a chance, I’m really keen to make the longer trek to the ruins of Vilcabamba/Espiritu Pampa, where the Inca supposedly retreated to after the Spanish came, another impressive ruin, though still enshrouded by the jungle. Looking back across the years, I so fondly remember the warm smiles and glowing light in the eyes of the Quechua people. They’re forever in my heart! So glad you’re taking it all in. Grateful to be reading your experiences, Nora! I always look forward to what comes next!

By: Nora Dunn

Nora Dunn — Tue, 29 Apr 2014 14:18:22 +0000

In reply to Torsten.

Thanks, Torsten! I’m loving my new camera (it’s actually a smartphone – the Nokia Lumia 1020) – it inspires me to take more pics, and is so easy to get candid shots because I always have my phone with me!