I’m in the same place a decade later, sitting on the terraces of Machu Picchu. The scenery has the same awe-inspiring feel. And once again for the 2nd time I am left wondering ‘how did the Incas do that?’ as I gaze upon the stone architecture. There is a constant din of noise filling the background; a baby cries, a guard’s whistle blows, rules are yelled in Spanish. It’s the progress of tourism in the last 10 years. A decade brings many changes; changes in me and changes in Machu Picchu.
The UNESCO World Heritage site has thousands more visitors and a number of new restrictions. It’s open much earlier so that more people can have access to the site. The tree in the middle of the ruins is definitely taller. Tourists follow llamas around trying to get the perfect Instagram shot. All of the terraces used to be open to wander but now there is just ¼ of one terrace open to the public. It’s where I sit as I contemplate these thoughts. It’s where I sat 10 years ago and contemplated the thoughts of leaving my job to travel around the world.
This time I have my niece in tow she vacillates from being in awe of the ancient site and then simply wanting to go back to town and have french fries. Last time I had a point and shoot camera, but this time I have proper equipment and I am eager to take pictures. However, it is a challenge to shoot around 2500 visitors. Our guide talks but I don’t really hear anything he’s saying. I’m too busy plotting the next photo and watching the light spread across the ancient site.
Visit Peru’s Mountains, Machu Picchu, & Amazon
Megan and I took the Intrepid Inca Trail and Amazon Trip. Read about the full Inca Trail and Amazon itinerary and learn more about the alternative Quarry Trail here.
Disclosure: I was a guest of Intrepid Travel as part of the Niece Project, however all opinions expressed here are my own.
By Hannah September 16, 2014 - 8:50 am
Gorgeous photos!
http://familyfocusblog.com
By Hannah Wasielewski September 16, 2014 - 11:24 am
It’s crazy how much the rules have changed. I went to Machu Picchu 3 years ago and hearing people talk who went recently, they can’t do nearly as much as I did. Thank god I decided to take about 500 pictures that day!
By Darlene Foster September 17, 2014 - 1:00 am
You took some great pictures in spite of the crowds!
By Sherry September 22, 2014 - 7:14 pm
Awww – thanks! It takes some creative angels at times!
By Chanel September 18, 2014 - 12:09 am
Stunning as always! I already wanted to visit MP, but now I want to go even more!
By Sherry September 22, 2014 - 7:14 pm
I hope you make it there some day! I was super lucky to get to get twice!
By Maria Falvey September 18, 2014 - 2:34 am
That Llama is hilarious and Megan is a good sport. Fun times and glad and you got the chance to go back
By Mary @ Green Global Travel September 19, 2014 - 3:38 am
These are gorgeous photos! I love the one of the llama close up! Thanks for sharing!
By Jade September 27, 2014 - 5:21 am
UUGGGHHH so amazing! Peru has always been on the bucket list, but now its moving up to the need to go there RIGHT NOW list !
By Kiara Gallop March 18, 2015 - 2:55 pm
You have some truly beautiful shots here (and some great candid ones; I love the curious llama!) of an incredible place that I was fortunate enough to visit at the beginning of June last year. I totally agree that it’s so difficult to shoot around 2500 people, and of the hundreds of photos I took I’ve probably only got 20 I’m truly happy with. Like you though, we were so lucky with the weather and for that I’m very grateful 🙂
By Sherry March 21, 2015 - 3:49 pm
Thanks! Glad you enjoyed the photography!
By Sweety September 4, 2018 - 8:45 am
This looks absolutely amazing and such a great piece of art.Machu picchu can amaze every traveler. Would you recommend to bring the warm hiking gear? Or is this something you could rent there?
By Sherry September 4, 2018 - 1:29 pm
I don’t believe you can rent it – and yes you will definitely need layer of gear to stay warm – but mostly you’ll need rain gear to stay dry too!
By Sophia September 24, 2018 - 5:33 am
A very nice blog for a very nice place.I am just speechless, what a great blog post!! (Y)
I am hiking up to Machu Picchu after few months and I can’t wait. I am spending a few days in Cusco before. Any tips or ideas for other fun things to do around there?
By Sherry September 25, 2018 - 6:03 pm
Just get out and walk around the main square – there’s always a festival or parade going on! Also try to get to the indoor shopping market – it’s lovely and fun to negotiate with the locals!