• Home
  • About us
    • Get Updates from Women Travel
    • WomenTravelBlog.com meets WomenTravel.info
  • Tours for women
    • Stories of Tours
  • Accommodation
    • Accommodation Stories
  • Retreats
    • Retreat Stories
  • Local Guides
    • Local Tour Guide Stories
  • Tour Companies
    • Tour company Stories
  • Cheap Travel Insurance
    • OnLine Booking

Women Travel The World

Women Travel - stories and news for women travellers, solo travelers

womentravelannimated banner

  • Story Map
  • Destination Stories
    • Europe
    • North America
    • Asia
    • Australasia and the Pacific
    • Africa/Middle East
    • Central/South America
  • Niche Stories
    • Women Travel India
    • Women Travel New Zealand
    • Adventure Tourism
    • Budget Travel
    • Business Travel
    • Cycling Women
    • Eco/Sustainable Tourism
    • Food and Wine
    • Girlfriend getaways
    • Lesbian Travel
    • Packing Tips
    • Photography
    • Travel Resources
    • Volunteering
  • Links
    • Women Travel Links – our pick of the best
    • Rosemary’s Pick of Links For Volunteer Links and Work Exchange Travel
  • For WT Business
    • About Women Travel
    • Advertise Women Travel Businesses
    • Women’s Travel Business – Join us
    • WTW Promotional Items
    • Updates from Women Travel
    • Link to Women Travel
    • Login NOW
  • Travel Writing
    • Guest Bloggers Welcome
    • Women’s Travel Writing

Peru – Machu Picchu: Coming Home

June 15, 2010 by Rosemary

Gayle-160A Journey of Discovery at Machu Picchu by Gayle Lawrence founder of Journeys of Discovery: Mind, Body, Spirit Travel Adventures
An Outer Discovery… An Inner Journey

Read  more about her company and tours on offer here

The engine strained in low gear as the bus climbed the steep twisting dirt road up the mountain. Gazing out the window I could feel the presence of the Apus, the mountain spirits, looking down on me. Below was a spectacular view of the Urubamba River (the Willkamayu or sacred river) winding its way between the majestic peaks of the Andes. The mountains stood before me like living beings, the aware intelligence I felt left me humbled. peru7
As we neared the top and rounded the last curve, my breath caught with my first glimpse of this place that beckons me to keep returning time and time again. My eyes filled with tears, I sighed and relaxed, once again I felt like I had come home. This place, the Lost City of the Incas, the Crystal City in the clouds….Machu Picchu, Peru, calls to me like an absentee friend when we are apart. Now it was time once again, for us to be together. peru-machu-picchu
Machu Picchu’s aura is like a fairy-tale place, enchanted, magical; shrouded in mystery, remote, alone, and breathtakingly beautiful. Perched high on a mountaintop in the Andes, it is the Tibet of the Americas. This lofty city, sitting at an elevation of around 8,000 ft, eluded discovery until the Yale University archeologist, Hiram Bingham, revealed it to the world after he “stumbled” upon it in 1911.

Destruction and looting of the major Incan sacred sites were a result of the Spanish conquest of the prosperous Inca civilization in 1532; but they never found Machu Picchu. Even though they searched for the most sacred spiritual center of the Incas, it’s isolation and difficult mountainous accessibility spared Machu Picchu from ravage and dishonor. Peru is often referred to as the most powerful feminine energy vortex on the planet. Perhaps the spirits of the ancient ones hid Machu Picchu away like a blessed virgin. Holding her in silence like a mysterious secret, keeping her protected, unblemished, holy. So that modern day pilgrims like myself would have the opportunity to experience the spell of her innocent beauty and the transformative power of a place so pure.

For those seekers, on a path of personal and spiritual growth, Peru offers a pilgrimage journey. There is an unavoidable route, seemingly designed by the Apus of the Andes, that you must take if your final destination is Machu Picchu. This naturally designed overland journey takes you symbolically from an “outer to an inner” focus as you travel from Cusco to Machu Picchu.

peru4

peru5

My journey begins at an elevation of 11, 200 feet in Cusco, the ancient Incan capital. Having just come from my everyday job, home, obligations and stress I am still feeling strongly connected to my “outer life”. Seeing this as an archetype, beginning this journey of self-discovery at such a high elevation symbolizes my “high superior attitude”, my ego, the aloofness of looking “down” on others. Being very focused outside myself.

I wander down cobblestone streets, passing street vendors, and children leading llamas. Entering the Koricancha – Temple of the Sun, I am astounded by exquisite stonework, unsurpassed anywhere in the world. Immense stones fitted together so perfectly without mortar that the thinnest knife blade cannot be inserted between them. Placing my hands on these ancient walls I feel a tingling energy emanate from them. A shift from outer to inner has begun.

At the huge ceremonial center of Sacsaywaman, outside of Cusco, I make an offering of 3 cocoa leaves, representing love, work, and wisdom to the Pachamama, the Mother Earth. A small very dark cave invites me into the womb of Pachamama. Feeling my way along the wall I must begin to trust that I will be guided to an opening, an exit from the darkness….self-enlightenment. I finally emerge into the sunlight, symbolically reborn as an innocent child. An inner cleansing process has been triggered.

peru2

peru3

At the waters of Tambo Machay, which represent the male and female consciousness coming together, I allow the energy of the water to flow over my hands. I touch my forehead and lips with wet fingertips and focus on bringing my own male and female aspects into harmony. Inner discord will surely block the flow of wisdom waiting for me on my journey.

Traveling overland, my descent to the Sacred Valley of the Incas prompts me to focus on descending deeper within myself. The road twists and turns, sometimes offering spectacular vistas and then suddenly my view is blocked. Could this be a metaphor for my life, a series of emotional peaks and valleys? Often I resist the valleys of my experience finding them undesirable. But this Sacred Valley, so fertile and rich with crops reminds me how “rich with revelation” my own emotional valleys can be if I relax and enjoy the view.

Later at Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley, I ascend a trail of stone steps which take me to the temple at the top. Before me stand enormous pink granite stones with carvings of large Puma’s which represent the physical plane. Sacred rock altars, each specific to certain areas of the body, are said to energetically heal. Lying down on a huge stone, I feel a vibration run through my spine and I rest in a meditative state for a short time. After this session, my back does not bother me for the rest of my journey and I literally……sleep like a rock.

Early the next morning I board the train that will take me to Machu Picchu. Geographically descending to lower elevations; symbolically descending to deeper “inner” realms of awareness and transformation within myself. The beauty of the Andean scenery captivates me during the course of my train ride. Majestic snow capped peaks tower over me. The Andean glacier called Veronica, watches as the train moves into the edge of the tropical rain forest. The flowing water of the river represents my consciousness carrying me forward, deeper into my own inner mystery. Boulders in the river could represent obstacles in my life that block my path. But the water easily glides over or around them….this river of awareness never stops moving forward. I ponder on this.

peru6

peru9

peru10

Arriving at the small town of Aguas Calientes, I board the bus that will take me up the mountain to Machu Picchu. I am filled with excitement, anticipation, and deep emotion. This ancient city is calling me and I am impatient to be in the midst of this breathtaking place.

Machu Picchu’s allure is its mystery, filling your head with question after question, yet revealing very few answers. Machu Picchu is a stone city made of white granite, composed of 40% quartz crystal. In essence you are sitting on top of a giant powerful crystal and you feel this energetic vibration emanate from the natural structures all around you. I seem to be continually rejuvenated by this source of crystal energy and information stored in the stone surrounding me.

Serenity washes over me as I stroll through maze like stone passageways and climb inviting stone staircases revealing well kept secret rooms. The Intiwatana or hitching post of the sun, the highest point in Machu Picchu, my personal power spot beckons to me. After a short meditation I continue to explore. Visiting the Temple of the 3 Windows, the sacred Pachamama stone, and marveling at the circular stone architecture at the Temple of the Sun.

peru11

peru12

I view the long grass plaza where gatherings and ceremonies were held and I sense the presence of the ancient ones still there. The tall feminine mountain, Huyanu Picchu sits on one side of the plaza, and the masculine peak of Machu Picchu mountain sits at the other end. The smaller peak of the Putakusi, the place of balance, sits between them, drawing the male and female energies together in harmony. Peace is found when everything is in balance…. Machu Picchu offers this healing message to the world.

Time stops here for me, remnants of discord churning around inside me dissipate, leaving only complete love and acceptance. This magical place is truly alive; the stones speak silent messages, giving insight and clarity to my own inner questions. Sitting quietly in meditation is effortless. I don’t fidget and resist being with myself as I do at home. Confusion and cobwebs disappear from my mind, my thinking is so clear. Revelations and creative ideas pop into my awareness, it is truly startling! Never before have I felt so wise.

I sense I am not alone. I often stop and turn around, feeling as if someone is walking behind me. This is not scary; it is a comforting experience. Feeling a familiar presence, an invisible personal guide, a mentor, a teacher, escorting me to places in the Crystal City that have what I am searching for on a consciousness level. Trials and tribulations of the “outer” material world are released….genuine wisdom is found in simplicity…..reality is found “inside” myself and that is where I create what I see and experience in my “outer” life.

peru13


peru14

Machu Picchu, once again reminds me that life is not complicated…..I’m the one who makes it so. All the answers are inside of me….I just keep forgetting to look there……..Machu Picchu has once again taken me to that place of love inside myself.

These ancient stones are old and trusted friends, giving me feedback, reconnecting me with simple truths that I have blinded myself to with outer distractions. Spirit elders welcome me with open arms like a wayward child coming home for comfort and assurance. I sit with them in council, in ancient temples of stone and feel their wisdom flow into my subconscious; once again I feel whole.

Being at Machu Picchu is like therapy for me. My consciousness shifts as I move into a deeper level of my own self- knowledge. I carry this energy with me back into my day to day life. I know that it will ooze out of me like rich thick honey spreading its sweetness to all I come in contact with. The wisdom and power that the Lost City in the Clouds…..Machu Picchu, has shared with me will sustain me until I return once again as a humble pilgrim. Traveling on an “outer” discovery adventure but most importantly on an “inner” journey for my spirit and soul.

Story By Gayle Lawrence Used with Permission

peru15

peru17

Filed Under: Central/South America, Spirituality of Travel, Tours for Women Tagged With: pilgrimage, South America, Spirituality of Travel

Comments

  1. DealHunter says

    June 18, 2010 at 2:01 am

    Visiting Machu Picchu is my dream..I have read so much about this place and your article is really good. Thanks for sharing. I hope to get there soon.

Trackbacks

  1. Peru – Machu Picchu: Coming Home : Women Travel – stories and news … | Breaking News 24/7 says:
    June 15, 2010 at 6:01 pm

    […] here to read the rest:  Peru – Machu Picchu: Coming Home : Women Travel – stories and news … Share […]

  2. Peru – Machu Picchu: Coming Home : Women Travel – stories and news … | Breaking News 24/7 says:
    June 15, 2010 at 7:00 pm

    […] original here: Peru – Machu Picchu: Coming Home : Women Travel – stories and news … Share […]

  3. 6/20/2010 Update « MissGlobe says:
    June 20, 2010 at 6:02 pm

    […] Peru Machu Picchu: Coming Home : Women Travel stories and news … […]

Keep in Touch with Women Travel

  • Facebook
  • Flickr
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
email list sign up

WTW Quick Links

  • Accommodation for Women Travelers
  • Womens Tour Calendar
  • Womens Tour Business
  • Women Local Guides
  • Retreats for Women

More Stories here

Local Websites

wtnz Women Travel India

Great Packing Advice

whattowear

Women Travel NZ Blog

Rosemary Neave PO Box 17727 Sumner Christchurch 8840 New Zealand Phone +64 27 289 0383 Email Rosemary

Women Travel the World

Accommodation and Tours for Women in New Zealand around the World

Women Travel the World Blog

Stories from Women Travelers

Web2Blog:

Would you like a website like this? You can have one! Contact Rosemary

Rosemary on Trip Advisor

Follow Rosemary's travel and reviews around the world

Tags

Adventure Women Bali Indonesia Bushwise Women Camino de Santiago de Compostela ceridwyn parr Cooking classes Cruises cycling holidays cycling women Food and wine India Ireland Italy Kenya Kerala keralablogexpress Ladies trekking Club Lyn Taylor Morocco New Zealand Paris Tour pilgrimage Portugal Rensina van den Heuvel retreat for women Safari sailing shopping skiing solo traveler Solo Women travel Spain Sustainable Tourism Thailand tours for women Tuscany VakanShe Venus Adventures volunteer travel Walking Tours what to pack Wild Women Expeditions womens travel blog women travel women trekking
Olivia Jones Uluru Photo
Olivia Jones Uluru Photo Uluru base ride
Olivia Jones Uluru Photo
Blue Walk Walking Vacations - mindful walking
Global heart journeys
Wild women expeditions

Copyright © 2023 · Magazine Pro Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in