Day 6: Machu Picchu

JOURNAL ENTRY BY JOEY JIMENEZ

“May we never lose our wonder, wide eyed and mystified, may we be just like a child, staring at the beauty of our King.”

I had these lyrics from the song “Wonder” by Bethel Music stuck in my head most of the day. Every part of today begged for child like joy and excitement. Waking up in Aguas Calientes, making our way up to the famed Machu Picchu, and walking into the Sanctuary to see something so beautiful and renowned that people from all over the world have made the journey to see it.

Wide eyed and mystified.

As we entered the Sanctuary of Machu Picchu, I was overwhelmed by the beauty I saw before me. Lush green fields, stone walls, and towering mountains surround this famed Inca city providing protection and hiding it for years from those who would seek to destroy it. Today it is preserved almost exactly as it was found and the treasure of its beauty is for all to enjoy.

We walked around and learned the history of this place, we touched stone walls where kings once slept, and we saw where the Inca worshipped. They were warriors and farmers and this was their home.

What a treat to be here with friends and fellow adventurers.

After our tour we enjoyed refreshments and a gorgeous patio at the Belmont Sanctuary Lodge where we waited for our shuttle down the mountain. Our adventure wasn’t over yet.

To close out this special day we enjoyed a luxurious ride back to Cusco on the Hiram Bingham train named after the explorer who found Machu Picchu in 1911. This train experience was like no other complete with a white tablecloth dining experience, live music, and dancing. Rest assured that our team provided plenty of entertainment for the passengers on our 3.5hr ride back to Cusco.

Today is our final day in Cusco and many of our team will begin heading home this evening. Adventure draws out the best in us. There will be much to process on our flights home to see family and loved ones.

May we be just like a child.