One of the 7 wonders of the modern world and probably the most famous archaeological site on the planet is without a doubt Machu Picchu of Peru. Visiting the ruins of Machu Picchu is the dream of many travelers, eager to discover one of the most emblematic cities on the planet. Hidden between mountains, today it is possible to reach it in little over 3 hours through a comfortable tourist train that leaves from the outskirts of the city of Cuzco, Peru.

Macchu Picchu

The long-awaited moment arrived and finally after a long time waiting, I visited the ruins of Machu Picchu after touring the Sacred Valley. That place is so enigmatic that it was discovered by the Spaniards and subsequently abandoned and hidden until the late nineteenth century and that attracts thousands of tourists every day, being the main tourist attraction of the entire American continent.

My visit to Machu Picchu

It was 5:30 in the morning and I took a bus that took me to the ruins from Aguas Calientes. This forced me to spend the night in this cozy town, given that the first train arrived a little later than 9 in the morning. However, it has two advantages that are unquestionable. Seeing Machu Picchu at dawn and being able to enjoy it almost alone, since from 10 in the morning it is filled with people going directly from Cuzco.

After arriving at the entrance of Machu Picchu, at the foot of a luxury hotel, you will have to pass a few lathes where they check passports and the entrance of Machu Picchu. If you want to take advantage of the first rays of light, it’s ideal to climb to the main viewpoint, although in the long run I saw that it was not the best idea. The ruins are between mountains and the rays of light do not enter until after 2/3 hours after dawn.

Machu Picchu ruins

Certainly the visit was a little crazy, without stopping to see what each of the houses I visited were called. I knew my course and it was simply a matter of going to the great square and from there to the entrance of the Huayna Picchu, leaving behind the Mountain of Machu Picchu.

What to see in Machu Picchu

At 7:30 in the morning there was still no crowd. Only the first rays of sun that reach the ruins of Machu Picchu, being able to see them at a good pace without having to wait for someone to sneak into your photographs. The light was very good and the rain was only expected late in the afternoon.

I began to cross the citadel through the middle, following the indications, since there are numerous roads that have no exit. Sometimes I returned to the same place where I had already crossed, because of seeing so many buildings with the same silhouette.

Sacred Square

Finally I arrived at the Sacred Square of Machu Picchu, where archaeological remains have been found where the sacred rituals that were performed in this place are confirmed. Nowadays there are no excavations, but surely Machu Picchu keeps some hidden treasure.

Just above the Sacred Square I found the Temple of the 3 windows and the Main Temple with a first legion of tourists coming from the train station. Already from this moment, trying to take a picture without an audience was an ordeal.

Temples of Machu Picchu

Physically both temples seemed similar to me, but experts say that the main rituals were housed in the so-called main Temple. It looks like its walls have better finishes than the Temple of the 3 windows, hence their hypothesis. As you can see, there is much more to see in Machu Picchu than the typical image that travel guides show us.

The other side of Machu Picchu is very steep, where there are endless terraces and curiously the cemetery. Overall the journey was very unique and interesting and I’d love to go again when I get the chance.