Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu was the most incredible, magical experience. So far this has been the highlight of the trip for me. I'd recommend going here to anyone.

Our trip started with the train ride to the town of Aguas Callientes literally ‘hot waters’ due to the hot springs within the town.  It was a beautiful trip along the river and through the mountains. The train has rooftop windows so the view of the scenery is amazing.

The train to Machu Picchu

Afterwards, we took the bus up the mountain to Machu Picchu. This is the most amazing energetic centre. The ruins are located amidst five sacred mountains, each one contributing a different energy to the area. According to Andean philosophy, one enters Machu Picchu via the sun gate, walking into the citadel, and in doing so becomes ‘activated’ due to the energies of the surrounding mountains that work on different chakras.

We spent the best part of two days here and I felt nothing but complete peace and calmness while I was here. Just amazing.

On day one, we connected with the energies of each of the sacred mountains. My favourite was the ‘happy mountain’. The energy emanating from this mountain was pure love.

Putucusi - the 'happy mountain'

Later we completed a beautiful ceremony here, tapping into the amazing ‘masculine’ and 'feminine' energy centres.

 Afterwards we climbed to the sun gate, in the rain (this is a cloud forest so it rains every day). It was amazing to watch the clouds descend over the surrounding mountains :-)

View from the sun gate - entrance point from the Inca trail

That evening we headed back down the mountain and to the hot springs, which were crowded and a bit disappointing.

The following morning we were up early and were fortunate enough to have a pass to climb Wayan Picchu mountain. Only 400 people are permitted to climb the mountain each day. This is roughly a one hour climb up the ancient Incan trail, which is pretty tough going. At the top of the mountain is the most amazing view of the Machu Picchu, as well as more ruins and temples to explore on top of the mountain.

The view from Wayan Picchu mountain

On top of the world - Wayan Picchu mountain

Another view from Wayan Picchu

Our shaman 'Fredy' with a short ceremony atop Wayan Picchu

Afterwards, I wandered about the complex, taking in the beauty of the surrounds, meditating, talking to interesting people etc. Love it! I would recommend a trip here to anyone. Also, it is almost 1km below Cusco so no altitude sickness, yay! :-)

Around the citadel

Temple of the Earth

Quarry of natural rocks within the citadel