Interlachen Travelers: Climbing Machu Pichu

What could be re majestic than entering the Gate of the Sun in a mountain pass and looking down on the Inca’s capital city? After experiencing it firsthand, Dick Maguire and his 34-year-old son, Matthew, would agree that just about nothing in the near future could be more magnificent. The Maguires recently returned from an exciting and spiritual trip to Peru, with its breathtaking views, incredible Inca ruins, and immense mountain ranges.

Their goal was to hike up Machu Picchu. Why? To pay tribute to Jane Maguire, their late daughter and sister. A real outdoors person, Jane had hiked the Inca Trail before starting work as an editorial intern at Outside Magazine. Dick and Matthew wanted to get as close as possible to where Jane had traveled on her trek. According to Dick, what they experienced goes beyond words and offered strengthening bonds between a father and son.

With the help of Ann Gray at Interlachen Travel, Dick began plans to hike the Inca Trail and climb Machu Picchu—a trip that became his trip of a lifetime. Dick had only compliments for the guidance she provided. “She gave us options and good advice. Ann suggested the better hotels, which we appreciated,” he said, “and she was patient with us and followed up to be sure we had what we needed.”

Both Dick and Matthew knew going into the trip that it would be an active, hiking exploration of the mountainous region of Peru. Their Inca Trail Trek would take four days and three nights tenting in the Andes. Upon reaching Cuzco, they spent their first afternoon touring the ruins of Patallacta and a second day getting acclimated to the altitude (11,400 feet) and sightseeing.

Machu Pichu

They began their expedition the next day. They left Cuzco and drove towards the Urubamba River in a van with another tourist, their guide Miguel, six porters, and a cook. Reaching the starting point of the trek required covering a rough road that grew narrower as the incline grew steeper. A gentle trail led them through the Indian community of Huayllabamba then grew steeper as the group headed to the first pass where they camped and took in the view of Mount Huayanay. By this time, Dick was wondering why he had chosen such a rigorous vacation. But the cool temperatures (the temperature never fell below 40 degrees) and the relatively dry conditions (it rained only at night) helped to offset the strained muscles he was beginning to feel.

On day two they hiked an up and down trail, first reaching the Warmimanuska Pass at an elevation of about 14,000 feet, then descending to the Pacaymayo River, and climbing slowly to the second pass from which they could see incredible views of the Wicabamba Mountain Range. They visited two Indian ruins on their way to the day’s campsite at Chakicocha.

Two hours away on the fourth day was Machu Picchu, which is actually at a lower elevation (about 8,000 feet) than the highest peak Dick and Matthew had hiked. They reached the ultimate view of the trek—the Inti Puncu Pass (the Gate of the Sun). However, Dick’s most memorable moment was reaching the highest pass and, though he admits that he’s not getting any younger (to do this trip again), he is glad that he did it. “We could have easily ridden the train to Machu Picchu. The sense of wonderment that I got from hiking the trail can’t be replaced,” he notes of the trip. At Machu Picchu the group enjoyed a wonderful respite at the Sanctuary Lodge, which was quiet, tranquil, and quite luxurious. The hotel is right at Machu Picchu, providing the opportunity to enjoy the citadel’s serenity before and after the busloads of daily visitors come and go.

The Lost City of the Incas was the highlight on their arrival day. Dick and Matthew explored ancient temples, altars and historical structures. To actually see the ruins and to imagine how the Incas built these massive structures and lived as a civilization was powerful. On day five, Dick and Miguel hiked to the Temple of the Moon while Matthew hiked up Huan Pichhu. Miguel and Dick said a prayer for their families and made an offering to Mother Earth at the Temple. From here the Maguires took the train back to Cuzco, where they ended their trip with shopping and strolling through the markets.

Climbing Machu Picchu may not be for everyone. Dick advises that you be very fit and be prepared for the changes in altitude when you hike up a mountain. According to Dick, “Because the hiking was physically difficult and I couldn’t imagine how spiritual the experience would be until I actually did it, I think climbing Machu Picchu was the trip of a lifetime.”