Adventures in South America
There are so many beautiful places to explore in the world. This past Easter, I was fortunate enough to find myself with three friends hiking through the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu, Peru.
South America is filled with vast expanses of unexplored rainforest, as well as breathtaking vistas and hubs of ancient civilizations, such as the Incas. These locations have become hot-spots for travelers who–like me–are looking for a bit more adventure. And what’s more adventurous than making the trek up into the Andes?
After spending a few days in Lima, Peru, we made our way out for a getaway with Fashion For Conservation–more to come on that in a future blog–when we decided to first explore all that Machu Picchu had to offer.
Checking in for our train to the base.
Hiking through ancient ruins
It was a rainy Good Friday when we decided to visit Machu Picchu. Now, when most people visit Machu Picchu, they tend to take the bus up. That way they can be sure to look photoready in their colorful Peruvian ponchos once they reach the top. But not us.
We set off in our rain gear, deciding that we wanted to experience the full beauty of our location by taking the grueling hour and forty-five minute trek up the mountain, climbing over the huge steps, higher and higher.
Me and my crew at the summit.
Reflecting through adventure
Pretty quickly into our hike, I resolved to make the journey on my own. Taking time to reflect and appreciate the surroundings of this iconic, spiritual place.
There was so much to take in as I made my way up the mountain. Being surrounded by the flora and fauna, I began to realize how fortunate I was in being physically capable to do this. Our health is one of the most important aspects of life. And this experience gave me a chance to become aware of just how grateful I was to be healthy and that I had the ability to make that hike on my own, rather than having to take the bus up the way so many others do.
This trip allowed me to feel so much while experiencing the iconic beauty of the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu.
When you’ve reached the summit, they have a passport stamp for you. 🙂
