The lost city of the Incas

This is going to be a short, but hopefully deliciously sweet post. Machu Picchu needs little introduction; the lost city of the incas – built in 1450 yet abandoned in 1572 when the Spanish were hot on the inca’s tails. For nearly 350 years the city lay dormant, hidden amidst the landscape. Known to locals, it was not until 1911 when the American explorer Hiram Bingham happened to be shown the site by a local boy that it was awarded the international attention it deserved.

Since then it has been swathed in tourists, all wanting their piece of the beauty, and to some, the mysticism that is Machu Picchu. Yep, I was one of those tourists. One of my my few regrets on my trip was that I did not partake in the travellers ‘obligatory’ four day trek to see Machu Picchu. I know I’m not one for trekking, but arriving on bus, as atmospheric as it was, combined with a 15 minute walk uphill and voila, there it was. It seemed as if I was on a school trip and I had some how cheated it by not taking the paths that the inca did to arrive there… That being said, it is a sight to behold and how lucky am I to even cast eyes on the marvel?

Heading to the heart of ancient Peru

All roads in Peru lead to Cusco and to the city of the Incas, Machu Picchu. I had a good five days in Cusco and was looking forward to enjoying the vibe of the city before heading up the sacred valley and to one of the seven wonders of the world.

It was all going on in Cusco, Zoe was there, as too Viv and Dave and before long Ashley (who I also met on the 4×4 road trip) returned from her trek. Obviously, a few beers, vinos and lots of food was on the cards, as too soaking up Cusco’s charms. The city is centred around the plaza de armas which is whether everyone, local or not gathers.

At night the square turns into an enchanted fairytale.

Enough about the Cusco’s charms I have serious Inca business to share 🙂 As you maybe well aware, I’m not the outdoors type of gal, as such I totally discarded the thought of doing the four day trek to Machu Picchu, instead I opted for 2D/1N option. Day one, welcome to the sacred valley. I will not bore you too much with too many words, but will let you know I visited the towns of Pisaq, Calca, Urumbamba and Ollantaytambo which sat along the banks of the Vilcanota River Valley which included a multitude of Inca sites and some super duper craft markets. Enjoy!

Pretty cool, eh? Next stop the train station, bound for Machu Picchu!