Becoming Part Of The Picture In Machu Picchu
By: Kim Mckinney
Tags: Travel, World, Self, Nonfiction, Giabprompt

Becoming Part Of The Picture In Machu Picchu

GiaB writing prompt #7 – man-made wonders of the world

Several years ago I read a travel article that captivated my attention. More to the point, I was mesmerized by the pictures that accompanied the article.

Machu Picchu had never been on my list of places to go — and that is surprising because my list is lengthy indeed. Still, those pictures placed it at the top of the list, and before long I found myself planning a trip to Peru.

Machu Picchu stands 2,430 meters above sea level, while Cusco is at 3,400 meters. You go to Cusco first. Yes, you first go to a higher point to make sure you adapt to the altitude.

I didn’t adapt. At least not easily. I was miserable the whole time I was in Cusco. I wondered at times if that desire to see the scenery in those pictures was worth it.

The train ride to Machu Picchu was great, seeing mostly the landscape but occasional scenes of life in Peru. There was extreme poverty, but lots of color in clothing and much joy on the faces. I still didn’t feel great, but I loved it all.

When we arrived in Machu Picchu I was in tourist mode. Let’s get out and see what there is to see, take pictures, and do this thing! Kim, the tourist, only lasted moments. It didn’t take long for me to be in my own world. I slowed down and simply breathed as I tried to take it all in. I even ditched my friend so I could experience the wonder by myself.

Machu Picchu was built by the Incas in the fifteenth century and abandoned when they were conquered by the Spaniards in the sixteenth century. Located between the Andes and the Amazon, the scenery of Machu Picchu is spectacular.

The city was said to be only known to the aristocracy and never discussed outside certain circles, thus keeping it safe from looting and destruction by the Spaniards.

Even today, you can see the remnants of the Inca's intricate planning. They built it without mortar and cut blocks of stone into trapezoids that fit together and then fell back into place even after earthquakes. There was an area for farming and one where they lived. They had no roads into the city and it had its own aqueduct, keeping it quite self-contained. The terraced agriculture system was brilliant.

Though this was fascinating to see, there is something spiritual about the place that is indescribable. I sat in awe, just taking in the scenery. I felt close to God, and to these magnificent people from so long ago.

I hiked around and imagined what life was like back when this was home to the Incas, so intelligent and productive.

I tried to avoid other tourists, which was difficult, but not impossible. I smiled as the llamas came close and laughed as they ran away. They’d always come back.

Sometimes you go places and say to yourself “Pictures could never capture this” or get home and tell people “My pictures don’t come close to letting you know how amazing this really was.”

My own pictures for this trip were indeed inadequate, but those pictures from the magazine I had seen were spectacular. They had profoundly captured the beauty and mystery of the place. There I was, right in the midst of that scenery that had called to me. They had come alive. I felt as though I was a part of the landscape, though inadequate to the people who created it. Could I ever use my brain in the ways they had?

Machu Picchu is indeed a wonder of the world. It was created by genius. We’re still learning from it.

I will forever be changed from having been there. This hidden city was saved against logic so we can get into the brains of the Incas. That’s quite an interesting place to be.