Three years ago, I had a trip booked to visit Machu Picchu in Peru that had to be disappointedly canceled due to civil unrest in the country. It was always on my list of places I wanted to visit before I passed. I had people who had visited say that they were brought to tears upon viewing this infamous Inca Citadel sitting high atop the Andes mountains. Well, last week I finally got the opportunity, on my second try, and it didn’t disappoint.
I took the tour with a group through G Adventures. There were many firsts leading up to my first time experiencing Machu Picchu. First time in Lima and Cusco Peru. First time visiting the circular terraced bowl of Moray and the ancient evaporation salt pools of Salineras De Maras in the Sacred Valley. First time hiking the in the Andes Mountains from 9,000 feet to over 12,500 feet as a sixty-seven-year-old. The views were amazing and exhausting. Also tasted the national celebratory dish of Guinea Pig for the first time in my life. Not saying I would order it again, but I tried it.
But the highlight and the feature of the trip was getting out of the short bus ride from the town down below this UNESCO World Heritage site. As I walked the relatively short, covered trail, that led up to one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, the anticipation was palatable. Then it was in front of me – the Lost City of the Incas – WOW! Breathtaking! This magical city was placed magically on top of this isolated mountain, surrounded by the majestic Andes. Stunning. My first time experiencing this wonderous site. Unforgettable!
I’m grateful for every day. Grateful for every FIRST I am able to experience, not only for myself but every First of someone else that I get to share it with! Hopefully you join me on the journey, to find and pursue your love, your firsts, whatever that may be…