In March 2000, I took my fiancée Melba and my son Charles, Jr. on a 7 day excursion to see Machu Picchu.
Our flight took us to Atlanta then non-stop to Lima, Peru. Our hotels on this excursion were exquisite.
From Lima, Peru we traveled by air to the City of Cusco, Peru. Cusco was an exciting city. Cusco is considered the oldest living city of the Americas.
Cusco held a profoundly significant role within the Inca Empire. 3 Here's a breakdown of its key functions:
Capital of the Empire:
Cusco was the political, administrative, and military center of the Tawantinsuyu, the Inca Empire. This meant it was the heart from which the vast empire was governed.
Religious Center:
It was the most important religious center in the empire. The Temple of the Sun (Qorikancha) was a central place of worship. Cusco was considered a sacred city.
Symbolic Importance:
The city held immense symbolic value. It was seen as the center of the Inca world, and its layout and architecture reflected this.
Administrative Hub:
Cusco served as the administrative hub, where decisions were made and from where the empire was managed.
Center of Culture:
It was a center for Inca culture, housing nobles, priests, and skilled artisans.
In essence, Cusco was the nerve center of the Inca Empire, playing a vital role in its political, religious, and cultural life. [Source: Gemini.ai]
But the true highlight was yet to come. On March 27th, 2000 a bus and train ride transported us to the foot of Machu Picchu. Then, a final, winding bus ascent revealed a sight that stole my breath away.
Emerging from the bus, the view was simply breathtaking.
Nestled high in the Andes Mountains, the ancient Incan village of Machu Picchu unfolded like a hidden gem amidst the clouds. Terraced fields cascaded down the slopes, their lush green hues contrasting beautifully against the rugged stone structures. Each stone building, with its masterful craftsmanship, seemed to whisper stories of an ancient civilization.
The mountains surrounding the site rose dramatically, their peaks shrouded in mist, adding an air of mystery and reverence. The Urubamba River snaked its way far below, glinting in the sunlight and completing the awe-inspiring panorama. The quiet hum of nature filled the air, birds chirping, the gentle rustle of leaves, and the occasional echo of footsteps on the stone pathways.
The entire scene felt like a place frozen in time, where history and nature come together in perfect harmony. It's an overwhelming reminder of the ingenuity and spirit of the Inca people. It's a sight that imprints itself on your soul, leaving you with a deep sense of wonder. It's incredible that such places exist in our world.
After a too-short two hours (plus a history lesson!), we descended for lunch before the four-hour train ride back to Cusco. We bedded down for the night in The Monastery, a gorgeous hotel in Cusco.
Machu Picchu is also referred to as the “Lost City of the Inca”. Its was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983. In 2007, Machu Picchu was voted one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
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1. Personal experience
2. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Machu_Picchu
3, Gemini.ai
