Over a decade ago in an elementary school Spanish class, my teacher spent a day teaching about Machu Picchu in Peru. That day, I went home and wrote an entry in a journal that remained mostly empty after, one I still have today, saying:
“Today Senora Snearly showed us this place called Machu Picchu. She told us ‘The world is a book, and those who stay where they are only read the first page.’ I’m going to go there someday. I want to travel the world.” (I was in the fifth grade, so cut me some slack as far as my prose, please.)
That day set my life rolling on a path I could have never predicted myself. Until this point, all I knew about vacations were our family trips upstate and the occasional beach or camping trip for a weekend. I was so fortunate to have this class offered, and I wasn’t able to take any other language classes until I reached college after this one. While I took away very little understanding of the Spanish language and the program was unfortunately discontinued by the end of that year, all it took was this one day in a six-week class to change the direction of my life. Learning about another country, however briefly, in that class allowed me to get a sense for just how much was out there in the world.
After this, my spare time was often filled with planning out trips I knew would never come to be to Italy and Iceland and New Zealand, complete with a budget and a hypothetical seat next to me on the plane for my dad to join my adventures. I spent my sophomore year of high school homeschooling myself as my family went through a big transition and used that time to fall further in love with the world, deepening my desire to travel and learning about those who do it from a boat or van or backpack. Almost five years ago, as the world began to shut down due to a pandemic it still has not fully recovered from, I was able to take my first trip out of the country. While in Peru I was able to experience a beautiful culture and people, improve on my Spanish and Bachata skills, and finally see Machu Picchu up close. Despite almost missing my return flight to the states amidst flight cancellations and border closures, this trip fueled my desire to travel and my love for other cultures and languages and people.
Exploring Peru
Ollantaytambo
Nestled in the Sacred Valley, Ollantaytambo was a breathtaking introduction to Incan history. The ruins here were once both a fortress and a ceremonial center, and climbing the steep stone terraces provided stunning views of the surrounding valley. Walking through the town, one of the few places where the layout from Incan times is still intact, felt like stepping into a living museum
The Temple of the Sun
This site, located within Ollantaytambo, left me in awe. The massive stones used to construct the temple were hauled from a quarry miles away—a feat of engineering that is still a mystery today. Standing there, listening to the guide share stories of Incan cosmology and the temple’s alignment with celestial events, made me appreciate how advanced and connected this ancient civilization was to the natural world.
Saqsahuman
Overlooking Cusco, Saqsahuman is another marvel of Incan architecture. The massive zigzagging walls of stone, some weighing over 100 tons, fit together so perfectly that even a blade of grass couldn’t slip through the seams. Exploring this site, I couldn’t help but imagine the vibrant ceremonies and gatherings that once took place here.
Rainbow Mountain
The trek to Rainbow Mountain was as challenging as it was rewarding. The altitude was no joke—I stopped more times than I’d like to admit to catch my breath—but the sight of the vividly striped mountain made every step worthwhile. Though it wasn’t like the photos, all of which have the saturation turned up to 100%, it was stunning. Shades of red, gold, and turquoise swirled together, a natural wonder created by mineral deposits over millions of years.
Machu Picchu
Finally, I reached Machu Picchu, the place that had inspired my fifth-grade journal entry. Seeing it in person was surreal. The clouds parted just as I arrived, revealing the iconic terraces and temples. I walked through the site, imagining what life might have been like for the people who lived there. Learning about the mysteries of its construction and purpose—Was it a royal estate? A religious site? A refuge? —only added to its allure.
A Transformational Journey
Peru wasn’t just a destination; it was a turning point. From dancing the night away at Mama Africa to struggling through high-altitude hikes, every moment was infused with a sense of wonder and discovery. The people I met, the stories I heard, and the breathtaking landscapes all deepened my love for exploration.
This trip wasn’t just about checking places off a bucket list; it was about connecting with a world that is so much bigger and richer than I had imagined. As I look back on that childhood journal entry, I realize that it wasn’t just a dream—it was the start of a journey that I hope will last a lifetime.
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