Peru isnt for the weak

Nicole and I made our way to our long awaited destination: macchu picchu.
But it wasnt easy.

To get there, we had to pass through high hurdles.

1. 4 terribly exhausting bus rides that totaled to about 30 hrs on the road, For example, one overnight bus that felt more like riding a spinning amusement park ride for 10 hours (and nicole got sick). There was no heat or bathrooms. There wasnt space to stretch your legs. It smelt like vomit and berries, an awful combination. And we circled up mountains until the sun came up.

2. long ticket lines. Many rich europeans or chileans book their travel packages before arriving to macchu picchu. We didnt know how to book tickets in advance. We figured we could march right up to the ticket booth and buy two direct tickets, returning the same day. We ended up
with the last available option, and very expensive. 2way train ride for $100, leaving on sunday and returning on monday

3. money $$ To get to macchu picchu, one must take a train from Cuzco or another city to aguas calientes. You can only reach macchu picchu through aguas calientes. Aguas calientes is a city tucked between soaring, green mountains, much like those seen in the movie Jurassic park.
Its a really quaint town, but very touristy= expensive. We did the best we could to save money. We brought tons of food. We ate tuna sandwiches in the plaza. We stayed in a nice but affordable hostel. We didnt fall for tourist traps. We hiked up macchu picchu instead of taking a
$15 busride.

So it was much more rewarding when we reached the park. Nicole and I began our hike at 5 am. Thankfully we drank mate tea before our climb up the mountain, because we had to pass through the clouds. The area around macchu picchu has the most beautiful view i have ever seen in my entire life. I kept on blinkly in amazement,.... thinking that i would suddenly awake from a splendid dream.

The wait and pain was worth it. We conquered macchu picchu.
(and took many brillant photos to share when we return)

We will make our way back towards home tonight, stopping at one rural town in the desert to relax and see more of God´s splendors in San Pedro.