So far this expedition has been unbelievable to say the absolute least. I've longed to travel to and explore Peru since I was five years old and National Geographic has given me the opportunity to fulfill that dream. This country is drop-dead gorgeous and amazing. It has been so breathtaking to explore Lima, Sacred Valley, Cusco, and now Machu Picchu.
There are no words to describe the feeling of walking on the same stones the Incas trekked nearly 600 years in the past. Now I see why the "Lost City of the Incas" was recently dubbed one of the Seven Wonders of the World. I still can't believe we just saw this breathtaking "city in the clouds."
This morning, after packing our bags, shooting group photos, and checking out of the Inkaterra Hotel, we all grabbed our seats on a bus, slipped on our motion sickness bands or took motion sickness medicine and anxiously peered out the windows as we zig-zagged on 14 switchbacks up the mountain.
Once we finally reached the peak of the mountain, we gathered at the gate of the path that leads to Machu Picchu and all sprayed on the thick layer of sunscreen and foul smelling bug spray.
There are no words to describe the feeling of walking on the same stones the Incas trekked nearly 600 years in the past. Now I see why the "Lost City of the Incas" was recently dubbed one of the Seven Wonders of the World. I still can't believe we just saw this breathtaking "city in the clouds."
This morning, after packing our bags, shooting group photos, and checking out of the Inkaterra Hotel, we all grabbed our seats on a bus, slipped on our motion sickness bands or took motion sickness medicine and anxiously peered out the windows as we zig-zagged on 14 switchbacks up the mountain.
Once we finally reached the peak of the mountain, we gathered at the gate of the path that leads to Machu Picchu and all sprayed on the thick layer of sunscreen and foul smelling bug spray.
The few of us who used the restroom back at the hotel were lucky... very lucky. The bathrooms were hilarious. In order to use the restroom, you had to pay one sol (the Peruvian currency) and then you received a receipt for using the restroom. Then if it couldn't get any funnier, you had to snatch toilet paper in front of everyone behind you in the line, before you entered the restroom. Quite an interesting system, huh? After surviving the crazy bathroom systems, we were on the path around the precipice of the mountain and anxious to see Machu Picchu.
As we rounded the last bend and our hearts throbbed hard in our chests with the suspense of knowing the ancient city lay straight ahead, our tour guide decided to torment us. He told us to hold hands and close our eyes until we stood on the ledge overlooking Machu Picchu. When we were all finally gathered and after a few agonizing moments of silence, he finally yelled, "Open your eyes!"
I think that at that moment, when we all saw the magnificent ruins of this ancient city surrounded by countless peaks of the Andes Mountains, our jaws dropped in perfect unison. The site was unbelievable. There are no words to describe how beautiful Machu Picchu is. As we trekked down to the heart of the ruins, we were absolutely speechless and probably took pictures of each and every moss covered stone.
Our wonderful tour guide, mister Edgar, a native Peruvian himself told us amazing stories about Machu Picchu and the people who once lived there. He described the construction of the wonderful city in great detail telling us that it took 80-100 years for the Incas to build Machu Picchu, after the great emperor, Pachucutiee, ordered his men to begin construction.
It took more than 60 thousand Incas to lay the foundations of the great city we see today and were never fully completed the construction of this beautiful city. Machu Picchu is an artwork-a masterpiece--but incomplete.
And although there are countless marvels of Machu Picchu, it story does have its share of sadness. Machu Picchu, after all of the Inca's hard work, was only inhabited for 30 years.Mister Edgar told us that when the Spanish Conquistadors invaded Peru, with Francisco Pizzaro at the lead, the Incas fled Machu Picchu and abandoned this beautiful "city in the clouds" forever.
Now Machu Picchu is ranked proudly as one of the seven wonders of the world attracts thousands of tourists around the world and is privileged by the people living here in Peru. It truly is a spectacular site and to be given the opportunity to see it with my own eyes... well there are no words.
P.S. Mister Edgar also showed us that there is a face in the mountains that soar high in the clouds above the ancient city of Machu Picchu. He showed us that if you take a picture of Machu Picchu and turn it sideways, a face of a man appears amidst the mountains. Could it be the spirit of the Incas watching over the beautiful city?
As we rounded the last bend and our hearts throbbed hard in our chests with the suspense of knowing the ancient city lay straight ahead, our tour guide decided to torment us. He told us to hold hands and close our eyes until we stood on the ledge overlooking Machu Picchu. When we were all finally gathered and after a few agonizing moments of silence, he finally yelled, "Open your eyes!"
I think that at that moment, when we all saw the magnificent ruins of this ancient city surrounded by countless peaks of the Andes Mountains, our jaws dropped in perfect unison. The site was unbelievable. There are no words to describe how beautiful Machu Picchu is. As we trekked down to the heart of the ruins, we were absolutely speechless and probably took pictures of each and every moss covered stone. Our wonderful tour guide, mister Edgar, a native Peruvian himself told us amazing stories about Machu Picchu and the people who once lived there. He described the construction of the wonderful city in great detail telling us that it took 80-100 years for the Incas to build Machu Picchu, after the great emperor, Pachucutiee, ordered his men to begin construction.
It took more than 60 thousand Incas to lay the foundations of the great city we see today and were never fully completed the construction of this beautiful city. Machu Picchu is an artwork-a masterpiece--but incomplete.
And although there are countless marvels of Machu Picchu, it story does have its share of sadness. Machu Picchu, after all of the Inca's hard work, was only inhabited for 30 years.Mister Edgar told us that when the Spanish Conquistadors invaded Peru, with Francisco Pizzaro at the lead, the Incas fled Machu Picchu and abandoned this beautiful "city in the clouds" forever.
Now Machu Picchu is ranked proudly as one of the seven wonders of the world attracts thousands of tourists around the world and is privileged by the people living here in Peru. It truly is a spectacular site and to be given the opportunity to see it with my own eyes... well there are no words.
P.S. Mister Edgar also showed us that there is a face in the mountains that soar high in the clouds above the ancient city of Machu Picchu. He showed us that if you take a picture of Machu Picchu and turn it sideways, a face of a man appears amidst the mountains. Could it be the spirit of the Incas watching over the beautiful city?
Great photo McKenna! We can't wait to see all of your photos (and videos) when you get home.
Collin and Kye
btht - oh my gosh -I was trying to imagine your feeling and you must have been overwhelmed - great article - can't wait to see you 2 and relive some of these great times though I know it won'[t be match for the real thing but at least we can touch someone that has been there - enjoy your last day in Lima - has it really been 12 days - miss u c u
soon. Love.
Hi everyone!
Looks like you guys when a little off schedule. Because on the "Our Destinations" page it said that you were going to visit Machu Picchu on Wednesday the 27th but apparently you went on Friday the 29th. Well as long as you saw Machu Picchu that's all that matters! And let me tell you ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhh myyyyyyyyyyyyyy gooooooooooooooooooood! I searched the Machu Picchu face and it shows the picture normally and then sideways and that is so pristine that it looks like that the Incas carved it! But its wicked cool yet scary at the same time! Well you guys should search it! You guys will be amazed! And awesome picture!!!
~~~~JON~~~~
(luckstomper)
McKenna and fellow NG Explorers: It is a great treat to read your narratives and to see your vivid photographs of your amazing travels in Peru. I think about the impact that this trip will have on you. You have such skills in photography, writing, and exploring; what promising and exciting futures you will have! From the blog comments, I can tell that I am not the only parent who misses our explorers, and that we are all so grateful to National Geographic KIDS for giving you this inspiring opportunity. Enjoy these last few hours in Peru, and safe journeys home! Nellie's mom
This is an absolutely amazing photo! I cannot believe that this is what you saw! absolutely breathtaking! I can't wait to hear Dewey's stories! You are an excellent writer and I am so happy for you that you have been able to fulfill this dream!
Amy (Dewey's Mom)
When I scrolled down on my computer to see your photo of Machu Picchu my eyes instantly bulged and my mouth fell open at your truly wonderful picture. I actually felt like I was there on the ledge that you mentioned. Only true, expert, passionate photographers can make viewers feel like they are actually in the midst of the picture. I congratulate you. You are also very lucky to have been able to blog about Machu Picchu. I agree with you Kenna, everything about the ancient city is indescribable.
I once saw on a movie about Machu Picchu that it might not have actually been a city but an emergency area for farming, that's why the city looks so incomplete. The movie explained that the Incas fled to Machu Picchu when the Spanish came since the trek up there was so grueling and secretive. The Spanish never found the people up there until a traitor Inca led the Spanish there. Now I'm kind of confused. I don't know what's true now! LOL! I guess I have some researching to do.
I tried Mr. Edgar's trick but I couldn't see the face. Can somebody help me see it? I really want to see the Inca man 'watching' the ancient city, and now wonder, of Machu Picchu.
Thank you for your beautiful description, McKenna. I felt like I was there, which meant a lot to me.
--Rebecca's mom
A fantastic description, McKenna! Wow, that picture is great--so high up. I'd have to agree with the others here who have said that this description literally brought me to Machu Picchu, which definitely deserves its spot as a wonder of the world. Machu Picchu really does look as if it on top of the world...those 60,000 Incas certainly had their work cut out for them!
It looks like you have had a great trip, McKenna, and seen a whole lot of places many people go their whole live without seeing! Thanks so much for sharing this with us with these wonderful descriptions and that breathtaking image--I hope to see more images from when you return!
Alex
Amazing! Your description of your trip up the mountain made me feel almost like I was right there with you (but I'm not sorry to miss that bathroom experience!) It sounds like you're having an incredible trip and I can't wait to hear more.
Kenna! Great great *great* blog post! :) :) :) :) As I'm sure you know, I'm missing you like crazy (as is Tash ^^), so I can't wait for you to come back and tell me all about it, kay? :D :D :D :D Hasta la vista (or email! ^^),
Ash
shastasteph
If you goggle machu picchu face it will show you the photo with the face. It is really cool. I cannot believe the face is so detailed. It is kind of spooky. Even though I was not picked for this trip, I have learned so much. I have researched alot about peru. I love reading all the blogs and interesting facts. We are also lucky that we dont have to pay to use the toilets here! lol.
Tanner
lucky duck
Thank you sooooooo much! I finally got it! The face is really cool. Too bad it's not facing towards Machu Picchu. Oh well. It's till really neat though.
how lucky you are i wished to go Peru for years but i never did i tried to enter the competition but i am in Pakistan that's why i din't get to go to Peru !!!