Eight years ago, I embarked on an unforgettable journey to Machu Picchu, joining the iconic Inca Trail hike. Due to strict daily limits on the number of hikers allowed, this adventure doesn’t come cheap. Unfortunately, my visit coincided with the rainy season, which stretches from December to March, leaving me surrounded by either relentless rain or thick fog. As a result, when I finally reached Machu Picchu, its breathtaking panorama remained shrouded in mystery.
Eight years later, armed with experience and better timing, I returned to Machu Picchu—this time after the peak of the rainy season. I opted for a direct train ride to Aguas Calientes, though the ticket wasn’t exactly budget-friendly, costing around $140 round trip.
This time, fortune smiled upon me, gifting me with perfect weather. And there they were—the charming alpacas, patiently waiting as if they had been expecting me all along.
If fate allows for a third visit, I’d set my sights higher—literally—by hiking the majestic Huayna Picchu.
