Finally, Machu Picchu

Our trek was not at all technical. There were no rock scrambling nor any ice/snow climbing. But the high altitude was punishing! We hiked over 40 kilometers with the highest elevation at over 15,000 feet. We are relatively young and fit (at sea level) so we were surprised when we found ourselves gasping for oxygen as we hiked (sometimes dragged) our way up to every high altitude pass. But for each peak that we reach, we were rewarded with sweeping and spectacular views of the Peruvian Andes and some ancient Inca sites. The pictures we took were magnificent but they do not compare to the real scenery.

On the last day of our trek, we reached our destination - Machu Picchu: the lost city of the Incas. 

As we climbed our way to the site, the magnitude of it all came into focus. It is really beautiful, both historically and architecturally. However, Romeo and I agree that the journey, by far, surpassed the destination. Yes, we had a hard time adjusting to the altitude and we almost did not complete the trek. But we have this huge sense of accomplishment (and superiority :)) that we just did not feel in all the places that we have visited, thus far.