|
Machu Picchu, Peru |
|
Machu Picchu stands 2,430 m above sea-level, in the middle of a tropical mountain forest, in an extraordinarily beautiful setting. It was probably the most amazing urban creation of the Inca Empire at its height; its giant walls, terraces and ramps seem as if they have been cut naturally in the continuous rock escarpments. The natural setting, on the eastern slopes of the Andes, encompasses the upper Amazon basin with its rich diversity of flora and fauna.
Though more than 1000m lower than Cusco, Machu Picchu seems much higher, constructed as it is on dizzying slopes overlooking a U-curve in the Rio Urubamba. More than a hundred flights of steep stone steps interconnect its palaces, temples, storehouses and terraces, and the outstanding views command not only the valley below in both directions but also extend to the snowy peaks around Salcantay. Wherever you stand in the ruins, spectacular terraces can be seen slicing across ridiculously steep cliffs, transforming mountains into suspended gardens.
Chilean poet Pablo Neruda captures the essence of Machu Picchu in his work, The Heights of Machu Picchu. “Machu Picchu is a trip to the serenity of the soul, to the eternal fusion with the cosmos, there we feel our own fragility. It is one of the greatest marvels of South America. A resting place of butterflies at the epicenter of the great circle of life. One more miracle”.
Magic of Machu Picchu
Dusk was upon us as the mists of the cloud forest shrouded the elaborate stonework of Machu Picchu. As the clouds danced with the valley breeze, glimpses of ancient Inkan structures once home to a bustling community could be seen all around. The voices of tourists that filled this sacred space gave way to the calls of birds high above. We stood here alone now – the quiet was immense. Our imaginations formed the images of what was long ago.
We spent the afternoon discovering, experiencing and feeling the spirit of the Inkan culture that once called this sacred space home. Nothing seemed a random occurrence here. Each placement of rock had an intention behind it. We pondered the question of what an ‘advanced economy’ really means as we witnessed the precise planning and placement of all that made up this ancient city perched atop this mountain.
Our guide, Ruben, former Chief Archeologist of Machu Picchu and Shaman shared two stories with us – that which is commonly recorded in guidebooks and the other – the insights into what really was. How honored we were to share in this knowledge with Ruben. As we gazed out beyond into the deep valley below, our backs were to a cave-like alcove. Our heads just barely touched the top of this rock. Using the tools of ancient shamans, Ruben chanted and whistled while gently rattling. The sounds were soothing as they released into the space around. Our bodies responded to the deep vortex of energy in this rock. We naturally swayed back into the alcove as we moved deeper into this ceremony. Each of us felt a profound experience as we connected with this sacred site. As the gentle sounds of our shaman master came to a close, we opened our eyes with wonder to this new awareness. We were truly blessed by all that we shared with our intimate group seeking insight on this journey of life……