A thunderstorm seemed likely to occur the day we awakened to visit Machu Picchu, the most famous settlement of the Inca civilization. Clouds and mist hovered practically at ground level and temperatures stayed low. We worried that rain might envelop the world-famous site, obscuring views and making stone trails too slippery to safely climb.
Machu Picchu, one of the seven wonders of the modern world and the most celebrated Inca achievement.
Still, we arose early, ate a hearty breakfast and prepared for our visit. We filled our daypacks with water bottles and snacks and headed for the bus that takes tourists up a road of hairpin curves to Macho Picchu, which at an elevation of about 8,000 feet. Rock slides, triggered by intense rainfall a few weeks earlier, blocked one portion of the road, so we had to exit our bus at one point, climb wooden stairs to a cleared portion of the road on the other side of the slide and board a bus to travel the last mile or so. That made the breathtaking ride, amid steep, green mountains, even more memorable.
Oblivious to tourists, llamas make their way down a trail.
After we arrived, we moved quickly through the entrance and up a steep trail to reach an overlook of the city and its high-mountain peaks. Within a few moments, we stood in awe looking at the famous city and our concerns about the weather quickly disappeared. Clouds and mists swirled throughout the ruins, creating an air of mystery, but they gradually dissipated and no rain fell during our visit.
Gina, Maria, Natalie, Gretchen, Aimee, Malaina and April.
Our guide, Oswaldo Palomino Alvarado, explained what we were seeing as we visited the dwellings, worship places and work areas of the restored city, which was most likely a retreat for Incan royalty and a religious center where festival days and astronomical events were celebrated. He told us how workers build structures out of huge stones, fitting blocks together with amazing precision. He recounted how the American professor and adventurer Hiram Bingham made the remote site known to the outside world, in 1911, through his famed expeditions. And Palomino explained that restoration work continues daily at the site even as new discoveries continue to be made.
Jonathan, Derek, Jake, Neal, Jackson, Dean, Caleb and Thomas.
After a guided tour through the World Cultural Heritage site – one of the seven wonders of the modern world – students had several hours to explore the area on their own. Many hiked an ancient stone trail to the Sun Gate, which is believed to have been a control point for the Inca and offers breath-taking views of Machu Picchu. A few others walked to the Inca Bridge, which was part of a terrifying mountain trail carved high into a cliff face and through thick vegetation.
Aimee and Malaina in front of the Inca Bridge.
Throughout the day, students took photographs to memorialize the experience. Most said it was a day they will never forget – and one that exceeded their high expectations.
Machu Picchu, one of the seven wonders of the modern world and the most celebrated Inca achievement.Clouds hover low over Aguas Calientes, which is the closest modern city to Machu Picchu.The swift-flowing Urubamba River crashes through Aguas Calientes.Goshen College students in the bus on the way to Machu Picchu.Caleb and Maria at the main entrance to Machu Picchu.The Urubamba River flows below Machu Picchu.Students hike to an overlook at Machu Picchu.A first glimpse of Machu Picchu, whose famous peaks are obscured by clouds.A llama surveys its domain.Oblivious to tourists, llamas make their way down a trail.Up close and personal with a llama.Clouds and mist shroud Machu Picchu.Students gather for a first group photo at Machu Picchu.Jonathan walks down a trail.Gina, Natalie and Gretchen on an Inca pathway.Aimee, Malaina and Maria.Gretchen at Machu Picchu.Derek and Thomas try to see through the mist.An ancient stone structure.An ancient stone structure.An ancient stone structure.Malaina at Machu Picchu.The clouds begin to lift.Gina, Maria, Natalie, Gretchen, Aimee, Malaina and April.Jonathan, Derek, Jake, Neal, Jackson, Dean, Caleb and Thomas.Jonathan.Dean.Jake.Caleb.Derek.Neal.Jackson.Maria.Aimee.April.Thomas.Malaina.Gretchen.Natalie.The group gathers for another photo, with a much clearer background.The Machu Picchu settlement.Ancient stones bear witness to a once-great civilization.Areas where people once lived at Machu Picchu.Clouds and mist obscure the mountain known as Waynapicchu.Caleb, Dean and Malaina examine photos taken by Gina.Derek listens to our guide’s presentation.April listens to our guide’s presentation.Buildings that were used for religious observances at Machu Picchu.The Temple of the Sun.Inca workers cut and placed huge stone blocks for walls.Jake, Neal and Gretchen.Maria at Machu Picchu.Natalie, Dean, Malaina and Caleb study a stone used as an effective compass by the Inca.Caleb.A centipede slowly measures time and distance at Machu Picchu.Jake.The outline of a pyramid was shaped by Inca builders out of earth, terraces and stones.The Goshen SST Peru unit poses in front of stone carved to resemble the mountain behind it. Trust us: the mountain is behind those clouds.Dean tries to become one with a massive stone – to Natalie’s delight.More housing areas at Machu Picchu.Aimee.Peru SST Co-Director Judy Weaver.Thomas.The Temple of the Condor. The triangular stone in the foreground was carved to resemble a condor’s head and body. Its wings are the black markings on the huge stones behind it.A curious viscacha – a chinchilla-like creature that resembles a rabbit.Jonathan cannot hide his delight at Machu Picchu.Inca builders crafted walls out of huge stones and made sure they fit together perfectly.Centuries later, the skill of Inca builders is evident when viewing how closely huge stones still fit closely together.Oswaldo Palomino discusses Inca building techniques with students.A view of the Inca Bridge and trail, which was carved on the side of a mountain.The wood and stone Inca Bridge, which should not to be crossed by the faint of heart.Aimee and Malaina in front of the Inca Bridge.Peru SST Co-Directors Judy Weaver and Richard Aguirre.Aimee, Maria, Malaina and April.Restoration work at Machu Picchu.Restoration work at Machu Picchu.A last look back at the incredible and amazing Machu Picchu.Goshen College students say farewell to Machu Picchu by flapping their arms and pretending they are condors. We don’t know why.
