Hello travellers! My name is Gabriel Tesserolli and I was born and raised in the beautiful Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Ever since I was young, travelling has been my true passion in life. I’ve already had the pleasure of visiting 18 different countries and there’s plenty of new adventures to come.
For the past five years, I’ve been living the dream as a photographer and filmmaker – or as I like to call it a “storyteller”. Why a storyteller you might ask? Well, telling a real story with affection is the only true way to make a connection in this world. I mean aren’t we all about that? For instance, that’s the reason why I identify with brands that appreciate adventure.
One place that I visited recently which always makes for a fantastic story is the bucket list destination of Machu Picchu. The reason I visited Peru was basically because I wanted to create some awesome content. Thiago (@thiagomlcorrea) and I teamed up and created a project that involved showing a different perspective of travelling through social media.
After going to Patagonia and Iguazu Falls, Peru was our next destination. It was a 10-day trip just the two of us seeking raw adventure. Besides Machu Picchu, we also visited Paracas and Huacachina, toured through Cusco, saw the Chinchero district, went to Salineras de Maras and Moray, and finally hiked to Lake Humantay. It was an incredible trip!
My Experience at Machu Picchu
My experience at Machu Picchu was unique. Despite the rain, Machu Picchu was just an indescribable experience and one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen. We did the classic tour and were accompanied by a tour guide. I think it was a fantastic thing because he taught us so much about the history of the Inca civilisation along the way.
It’s crazy how the history fits in seamlessly with you what you see and imagine at Machu Picchu. The Inca were a civilization ahead of their time. They built these incredible cities from scratch with impressive technology that in theory they shouldn’t have known about. And the history of Machu Picchu is just amazing. The city was a sacred place full of spirituality.
The Inca lived in Machu Picchu during the time when there were invasions from Europe. That’s why it was built on the top of mountains and was difficult to access. The goal was to protect the city. Our tour guide also taught us about their agricultural system which was the main activity back then. It’s a place full of culture and history if you look for it.
Staying in Aguas Calientes
We first arrived at Machu Picchu at night. So I wasn’t really impressed at first but as soon as I woke up the next day I was gobsmacked! The place was magical. I don’t have another word to describe it. Machu Picchu has its own energy. Certainly one of the most unique places on earth.
About Aguas Calientes – we slept one night there but didn’t get the chance to explore the place since we went to Machu Picchu early in the morning. Gladly, we took some time to visit Lake Humantay which is located at the beginning of the Salkantay Trek – that’s how far we got in the end!
We stayed in a small place in Aguas Calientes and would recommend it for sure, even though it was very simple and small. If you are looking for luxury, I would recommend Belmond Sanctuary Lodge in Aguas Calientes. It’s a beautiful piece of accommodation with all the comfort you need.
Tips for your Visit to Machu Picchu
My main travel tip for those who want to go to Machu Picchu is to wake up early and get the first bus from Aguas Calientes if you can. I promise those hours of sleep that you missed will pay you back tenfold when you get to Machu Picchu and find an empty city with a beautiful morning light.
My favourite memory from my visit to Machu Picchu was on our way there. As we got the first bus in the morning, it was all dark and rainy. However, as we went up the sun started to peek through the clouds and the city started to reveal itself. It was a magical moment with the sunrise light and the whole energy of the place. Thanks for reading and enjoy your visit!
