Machu Picchu: One of the seven wonders of the world. A pit stop in our course.
I’ve learned a lot about Machu Picchu in some of my previous archeology courses. Subjects surrounding the effects of tourism on Peru’s economy or the harms tourism has on it’s preservation were floating around in my mind before our visit. Having these previous notions, combined with what I learned in the Rice readings this week, I was skeptical of the curated experience I would receive when visiting Machu Picchu, or even the potential harm my visitation would contribute.
I had a more difficult time connecting to Machu Picchu comparatively to some of the other sites we have visited. Sacsayhuamán was surreal. I don’t know if anything can beat that. Not to say Machu Picchu wasn’t impressive in its architecture. I wondered if this was in part due to the fact that Machu Picchu was originally designed for more administrative duties- while Sacsayhuamán was more so spiritually connected to the ceremonies that took place there.
I am, however, hesitant to be so hypercritical of Machu Picchu given the privilege it was to even be able to visit. Although the physical space did not speak to me, the experience of sharing it with so many people made my heart whole. Where I did find a connection in Machu Picchu was being able to share the space with the people there. Hiking up Huayna Picchu was one of the highlights of the experience. There was a certain comradery in pursuing such a difficult climb on such little sleep. Reaching the top. The view. Eating lunch at the peak; everyone tired but content.
One of the people I talked to on the climb was out guide Ronald (who did insist on multiple occasions that his full name was followed by “the last Inca”). Ronald was not a big talker, but when he spoke, he expressed much love for his work. He taught me how to say “I could stay here forever in Spanish. I understood the sentiment. Perhaps I was quick to write off my experience at Machu Picchu, when it was clear how much being present there everyday meant to another person. Although the physical ruins may have not spoke to me, the breathtaking views were undeniable. I think the presence of nature exists outside of the making of a ruin.
3 replies on “Experience Blog #5: Just Some Thoughts on Machu Picchu”
“I think the presence of nature exists outside of the making of a ruin.” I like how with this phrase we can start a reflection. Someone has written on their blog about the role of Nature in the creation of ruins, when it claims its space from architecture. Both, for us to admire them, need each other. Archaeological sites function as viewpoints from which to understand the space that surrounds them. They are an open question for which we look for some clues in Nature.
Hi Grace! I also really enjoyed the hike up to Machu Picchu. You did a fantastic job getting up there, way ahead of many of us! Roland was a great guide, although he was a bit nervous about speaking English so I can understand why he was not as talkative.
“Hiking up Huayna Picchu was one of the highlights of the experience. There was a certain comradery in pursuing such a difficult climb on such little sleep. Reaching the top. The view. Eating lunch at the peak; everyone tired but content.”
I don’t have much to add. It was a beautiful experience. The people, the views, the history, the scenery, the nature… it was a worthwhile thing. It will stay cherished in my memory for a long time.