While in Peru, I really didn't think much about how I felt about seeing these amazing things. I went with one of my very good friends, Erin, and Peru was her dream place. She had always wanted to visit and see the fabled Machu Picchu. I was just kind of along for the ride. I was more concerned that she was seeing/doing/eating/enjoying everything in sight, I never thought about how I felt about it all until we got back - except with Machu Picchu.

I'll never, ever forget the moment I set eyes on Machu Picchu. We woke up early that morning to catch a several hour train ride to the village where Machu Picchu sits high above the clouds.  We were with a tour group and the building down below where you buy tickets was complete chaos. You then have to take a hairpin turn bus ride to the top (it's terrifying - I almost tossed my cookies) and once at the top, wait in line to get in. Once in, you can get your passport stamped with a super cool Machu Picchu passport stamp (seriously, bring your passport - it's so neat). So, by the time we got to the top of the mountain, some folks were pretty cranky. We finally gathered together to walk through the archway tunnel that leads to the city - the next thing I heard was a collective sharp inhale of breath - the kind of thing you do when you see something so unbelievable that you can't possibly process that you are standing in front of it.... I still get goosebumps just thinking about that moment...

If you are traveling to Peru or want to learn more about the Inca Civilization or Machu Picchu, I highly recommend 'Turn Right at Machu Picchu' by Mark Adams - I read it before my trip and throughly enjoyed learning about the history of the Incas, Hiram Bingham and Machu Picchu!

More from Peru - Lima, Peru | Cusco, Peru | Moray and the Cusco Valley | Uros Islands