Women Exploring Peru Powerful & Awe-Inspiring Machu Pichu
April 30th, 2008 by
travel
I’ve been blessed to travel to many beautiful and inspiring places in the world, and always, I come away with a deeper appreciation for the culture, the people, and the environment. Knowing this, Peru was first on my list of dream destinations. For years I’d heard and read about Machu Picchu and wanted experience it myself. My opportunity came when I was asked to lead a Peru trip.
Since returning, people ask me. “So, how was Peru?” “Tell me about Machu Picchu.” Words don’t easily come to express the experience. Sometimes a place has the power to move you profoundly-to change you from the inside out. Peru is such a place.
So my response to their question usually goes something like this: Together, 18 extraordinary women trekked through Peru by plane, bus, boat and train. We explored the beauty and history of the capital city of Lima, and the influence of Spanish rule over Peru’s ancient cultures. We visited charming Cusco, also known as the Navel of the World… the center of the Inca Empire with its advanced hydraulic engineering, agricultural techniques, marvelous architecture, textiles, ceramics and ironworks. The magnificence of the Sacred Valley of the Andes Mountains impressed us all. We experienced the thrill of rafting the rapids of the Urubamba River.
After traveling south to Lake Titicaca, the world’s highest navigable lake at 12,500 feet above sea level, we walked on the man-made floating islands of Uros, created from cane where families actually live. Taquille Island is like arriving on a Mediterranean island, hot sunshine, blue lake, exotic flowers, warm, intriguing people. We discovered pisco sours, incredible cuisine… we shopped for our beautiful baby alpaca gifts and hand made treasures created by these beautiful Peruvian people. This was our exquisite itinerary. Some of my fondest memories are of the incredible women I traveled with, who felt more like old friends than new travel companions.
More than anything though, I’ll remember… Machu Picchu. In all of my travels, this is the most remarkable place I have ever visited. I’d seen all the pictures, studied the Inca history, but nothing prepared me for the magic and energy of this place.
The day after our guided group tour of Machu Picchu, many of us arose in the wee hours of the morning to go back and spend time alone among the ancient ruins. In one of those precious, once in a lifetime moments, I watched the sun crest, moving mist and shadows to reveal the sacred and mysterious city of Machu Picchu. What is the truth of this magical place, and what is legend? What was its purpose? How did the Incas create such perfection? Then again, why?
Months later, Machu Picchu continues to move me from the inside out. I’ll keep asking the questions and see what I discover. Perhaps I may need another trip back to Peru for further exploration!
Karin Sokel is a Life Coach and Tour Leader for Women Traveling Together. Karin owns In Flow Coaching and provides the primary leadership for all Women Traveling Together Retreats. To learn more about Women Traveling Together visit: www.women-traveling.com.
Tags: Group Travel, Machu Pichu, Peru, Women Travel