Following Intuition, Not Crowds: An Unforgettable Experience in the Ancient City of Machu Picchu

Photo by Tomas Sobek

Machu Picchu is a place of wonder, and I knew I had to experience it for myself. My companions for this journey were my mom, my brother, and his girlfriend. We started our adventure with a bumpy, shared van ride from Cusco to Hidroelectrica, followed by a four-hour hike along the railroad tracks to reach the village of Aguas Calientes.

For two nights, we stayed in this small village, eager for the moment we would finally lay our eyes on Machu Picchu. On the second day, my mom opted for the tourist transport van, while my brother, his girlfriend, and I took the challenging hour-and-a-half climb up the mountain from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu.

We went against the advice of the locals, who suggested we visit early in the morning to avoid the crowds and potential rain. My intuition told me otherwise, and I wanted to take the risk. We arrived in the early afternoon, just as the morning crowd was leaving. The skies were gray, and the weather looked bleak, but we were determined to make the most of our time there.

The ancient city was shrouded in clouds and mist, but we were ready to explore every inch of it anyway, undeterred by the unfavorable weather. Suddenly, the skies cleared, and the sun shone down upon us in all its glory. It was a moment of pure magic. We felt like we had the place to ourselves, free to bask in the magnificence of Machu Picchu without the usual crowds.

Photo by Jair Garciaferro

The next day, we decided to indulge in the luxury of one of the trains that run between Cusco and Aguas Calientes. It was a scenic ride that gave us a chance to savor the stunning views of the Andes Mountains and the surrounding landscapes.

Looking back on our visit to Machu Picchu, I can confidently say that it was an experience of a lifetime. The history, the views, the people, the food, and the overall vibe of the place all contributed to a sense of wonder that I'll never forget. It's a place that must be experienced, felt, and savored with all your senses. For my mom, my brother, his girlfriend, and me, Machu Picchu will always hold a special place in our hearts.