Solo Cultural Adventure in Cusco, Peru

Machu Picchu Beckons

Today was the day. The day I'd been anticipating since I booked this trip: Machu Picchu. As someone who's always been fascinated by history and ancient civilizations, the opportunity to walk among the ruins of this Incan citadel was nothing short of a dream. I woke up with a sense of excitement that only intensified as the day went on. It was also the day that I would face one of my fears, as I was determined to hike Huayna Picchu, and its infamous 'Stairs of Death'!


Explore Machu Picchu, the iconic Incan citadel in Peru, surrounded by breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage.

My day began early with breakfast at A Mi Manera. The restaurant, just a block from Cusco's main square, had a cozy atmosphere. I decided on the Trucha Grillada, a grilled lake trout fillet, which came with a soft puree of sweet potatoes and a Mediterranean sauce. It was a delicious start to what promised to be an epic day. I also enjoyed a cup of mate de coca, hoping it would help with the altitude. I remember Sri always making me ginger tea when I felt under the weather; I wish she was here to share this moment with me.


Discover authentic Peruvian flavors at A Mi Manera in Cusco's historic center, where every dish tells a story.

After breakfast, I made my way to the bus station for the ride up to Machu Picchu. The bus wound its way up the mountains, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. As we climbed higher, the anticipation grew. Finally, we arrived at the entrance to Machu Picchu, and I stepped off the bus, ready to explore.

The first glimpse of Machu Picchu was simply awe-inspiring. The sheer scale of the site, the precision of the stonework, and the stunning mountain backdrop all combined to create a scene that was almost surreal. I spent the morning wandering through the ruins, marveling at the ingenuity of the Incas. I imagined what life must have been like here centuries ago, and I tried to picture the people who had built and inhabited this incredible city. I remembered reading about Hiram Bingham's discovery of the site in 1911, and how for hundreds of years, the abandoned citadel's existence was a secret known only to peasants living in the region.

Machu Picchu is not just a collection of stones; it's a testament to the ingenuity, resilience, and spiritual connection of the Inca civilization.

After exploring the main site, it was time for the next adventure: Huayna Picchu. This mountain, which towers over Machu Picchu, offers panoramic views of the entire area. However, the hike to the top is not for the faint of heart. The trail is steep and narrow, with many sections consisting of uneven stone steps. I had read about the infamous “Stairs of Death,” a particularly challenging section of the trail, and I was both excited and apprehensive about tackling them.


Discover the breathtaking beauty and ancient ruins of Huayna Picchu, an iconic peak offering stunning views and a challenging hike near Machu Picchu.

As I began the ascent, I quickly realized that the hike was even more challenging than I had anticipated. The altitude made it difficult to breathe, and the steepness of the trail tested my endurance. But I was determined to reach the summit. I took my time, stopping frequently to catch my breath and admire the views. Along the way, I passed other hikers, all of us sharing a sense of camaraderie and determination.

There were moments when I questioned my sanity. The trail was narrow, and in some places, there were sheer drop-offs on either side. I’m not usually afraid of heights, but there were moments when my heart was definitely pounding. I thought of Bagus, my son, and how he would have loved this hike. He's always been the adventurous one in the family. I pushed on, encouraged by the stunning scenery and the knowledge that I was getting closer to the top.

Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, I reached the summit of Huayna Picchu. The views from the top were simply breathtaking. I could see the entire Machu Picchu site spread out below me, surrounded by the lush green mountains of the Andes. It was a truly unforgettable sight, and I felt a sense of accomplishment that I had rarely experienced before.

I spent some time at the summit, soaking in the views and taking photos. I also explored the small Incan ruins that are located at the top of the mountain. These ruins, which include terraces and temples, added to the sense of history and mystery that permeated the entire area.

The descent from Huayna Picchu was just as challenging as the ascent. The steep, uneven steps required careful footing, and I had to take my time to avoid slipping. But I was buoyed by the sense of accomplishment I felt after reaching the summit, and I made my way down with a smile on my face.

Back in Machu Picchu, I took some time to simply sit and reflect on my experiences. The day had been physically demanding, but it had also been incredibly rewarding. I had challenged myself, faced my fears, and witnessed some of the most incredible sights I had ever seen. As a software developer, I spend most of my days in front of a computer screen. This trip was a reminder of the importance of getting out into the world and experiencing new things.

As the afternoon wore on, it was time to make my way back down to Aguas Calientes. I caught the bus and descended the winding road, once again enjoying the stunning views. In Aguas Calientes, I had lunch at The Point Peruvian Cuisine. I opted for the ceviche, a classic Peruvian dish of fresh fish marinated in lime juice, chili peppers, onions, and cilantro. It was a refreshing and flavorful meal, and it was the perfect way to end my day at Machu Picchu.


Experience authentic Peruvian cuisine at The Point in Cusco – where tradition meets flavor in every dish.

Before heading back to Cusco, I decided to treat myself to dinner at Ceviche Seafood Kitchen. I had read good things about this restaurant, and I was eager to try their seafood. The restaurant was modern and bright, and the staff was friendly and welcoming. I ordered their signature dish, El Trio, which included ceviche, seafood risotto, and fried seafood. It was a delicious and satisfying meal, and I savored every bite.


Discover authentic Peruvian flavors at Ceviche Seafood Kitchen in Cusco – a seafood lover's paradise showcasing fresh ceviche and traditional dishes.

As I sat there, enjoying my dinner, I thought about the incredible day I had had. I had explored one of the most amazing archaeological sites in the world, hiked to the summit of a challenging mountain, and enjoyed some delicious Peruvian cuisine. It was a day that I would never forget.

I am also humbled by the fact that I got to see this place, while it is facing increased tourism, the development of nearby towns and environmental degradation, and I hope the Peruvian government will continue to take steps to protect the ruins and prevent erosion of the mountainside in recent years.

Tomorrow, I plan to explore more of Cusco itself. The itinerary includes a visit to the Cusco Planetarium, the Cusco Historical Center, and the Twelve Angled Stone. I’m also looking forward to doing some shopping at Cusco Collection. For dinner, I’ve made a reservation at Limo, a restaurant that specializes in Nikkei cuisine (Japanese-Peruvian fusion). It promises to be another exciting day.

Back at Hotel Polo Corporativo, I felt exhausted but exhilarated. Machu Picchu had exceeded all my expectations, and I knew that this was an experience that would stay with me forever. I thought of Sri and Bagus, and I wished they could have been here to share it with me. But I knew that I would be bringing back stories and photos that they would enjoy, and that was enough for now.


Experience the heart of Cuzco with comfort and convenience at Hotel Polo Corporativo, just 1 km from the city center, perfect for travelers seeking adventure.

As I drifted off to sleep, I dreamed of ancient Incas, towering mountains, and the breathtaking beauty of Machu Picchu. It was a day I would cherish forever.

As I reflect on my day, I am reminded of a quote by the American archaeologist Hiram Bingham, who brought Machu Picchu to the world's attention:

Machu Picchu is a place of magic, a spiritual center, and a testament to the ingenuity of the Inca civilization.

I couldn't agree more. It was an experience of a lifetime, and I am grateful for the opportunity to have been a part of it.