Imagine being very aware of your own proclivity to fall off the side of a cliff. Now imagine yourself surrounded by the most intact, extensive ruins you have ever seen in your life. Add a precarious hike up a vertical mountainside, your feet pounding several hundred ancient Inka stairs carved out of rock, and you'll begin to understand what it feels like to experience Machu Picchu in person.
Jaron and I arrived in Aguas Calientes the night of the 25th, eagerly anticipating a brief night of sleep and an early morning ascent to the Citadel of Machu Picchu. We arose before 5 am, purchased our entry tickets, and were quickly entering through the gates at Machu Picchu. Due to our haste, we (and a number of other international early-risers) were able to relax on stone terraces overlooking the ruins while the sun rose over the jagged Andes. As I watched the sun's rays slowly illuminate the lush, dense Andean mountainsides and then, gradually, the ruins of Machu Picchu, I was acutely aware of my own privilege and luck at having arrived at this incredibly spiritual site.
Throughout the day, as we hiked up the steep ascent to Wayna Picchu and descended along trails into the dense jungle below, these thoughts remained with me. Our fatigued muscles, sweat-drenched shirts and sunburned arms were a fair penance for access to the marvel that is Machu Picchu. Any physical challenge was only appropriate, and even an unfair exchange considering all that we would take away from it.
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