To reach Uyuni in Bolivia while finding a budget-friendly route that also allows for gradual acclimatization to high altitudes, I opted to journey through Peru.
Since I was already there, skipping Machu Picchu simply wasn’t an option. While I’ve never been particularly fascinated by ancient ruins, something as iconic as Machu Picchu transcends personal interest—it’s more of a “bucket list” item. And even though I don’t currently have such a list, who knows if one day I might feel inspired to create one?
February falls within the rainy season, which isn’t the ideal time to visit Machu Picchu, but I decided to go with the flow. I joined a small group tour on the 8:00 AM Line 2, and much to my surprise, the guide was exceptional. His fluent English and captivating storytelling transformed what I anticipated to be a dull site introduction into a lively experience.
Though much of it slipped through my mind like sand, I still managed to absorb plenty—and out of appreciation, I specifically included a photo of him in Figure 9. Luck was on our side too; despite the mist, Machu Picchu remained clearly visible. Later, we descended by bus to Aguas Calientes, where heavy rain began.
Watching the long line of people waiting to board the bus back up the mountain, I couldn’t help but feel sorry for them.
On my way back to Cusco by train, seeing the packed carriages and throngs of tourists at Ollantaytambo, I wondered if there truly is an off-season for Machu Picchu.
For me, however, the real gem of Peru lies in Huayhuash—a hidden treasure nestled deep within the Andes. I believe it ranks among the world’s most breathtaking destinations, possibly even surpassing Patagonia. The complete Huayhuash trekking circuit spans approximately 130-180 kilometers and takes 8-12 days to complete, with the entire route ranging from 4,000 to 5,000 meters in elevation.
This level of difficulty ensures it won’t become a tourist hotspot like Machu Picchu, allowing it to remain relatively undiscovered and serene.
I once asked ChatGPT to “briefly describe Machu Picchu in the morning in February,” and here’s the vivid snippet it provided:
“The distant Andes mountains rise majestically, their peaks cloaked in clouds that drift lazily through the valleys, causing Machu Picchu to appear and disappear like a mystical realm suspended between heaven and earth. Llamas wander gracefully, as if they are the eternal guardians of this sacred land, silently bearing witness to the passage of time.
Tourists tread carefully along the winding ancient paths, their steps light, almost hesitant to disturb the thousand-year-old tranquility of this site. The terraces glow green under the soft morning light, while the chirping of birds echoes melodiously through the mountains, infusing the serene morning with a touch of life.
As the morning unfolds, the sun gradually dispels the lingering wisps of fog, sharpening the outlines of the ruins. Golden rays bathe the stone walls and surrounding valleys, casting Machu Picchu in a mysterious yet solemn charm. In the dance of light and shadow, time seems to stand still, enveloping visitors in the holy aura of this Inca civilization.”
Comparing the photos to the memory of the actual scene, it’s almost an exact match! As I read this profound and poetic text, I found myself suddenly at a loss for words, unable to articulate what I felt.
