My focus for a long time has been to visit Machu Picchu in Peru. There was a time when that seemed unattainable because I had limited beliefs about where I could travel, much less alone. Machu Picchu is filled with history, story, magic, and power. Triumphant and the befallen sounds like a fantasy, but it’s not. Machu Picchu and its history is something that has resonated with me spiritually. I viewed visiting this place as a spiritual journey and right of passage to honoring myself and my calling.
My dad used to travel alone before he decided to marry and settle down. I had adopted the belief that if I married and settled down, I could not explore the world as a solo woman traveler. I had obstacles in my way, most notably my mindset. As I worked on personal development and healing trauma, I made it my mission to start my traveling portfolio.
In 2021 during the pandemic, I had a husband, and four kids, living on a budget; I had just quit my job to finish my college degree. Seems unlikely to manifest such a trip under these circumstances, right? Machu Picchu has been at the forefront of my mind for at least the last decade.
I remember the exact moment my husband and I were watching a youtube video of a travel vlogger visiting Peru. Looking at that video, I just snapped mentally and decided to prioritize making this trip. Not sure why I got triggered this time around; I think it has a lot to do with being a mother and being in my 40s. There are not many things I do for myself, and I knew at the time I deserved this.
I did it! I began planning my trip. I knew I wanted to go alone and experience the fullness of solo travel in such a magical historic place. I researched a travel agency, and as luck has it, I was referred to a travel agent by my cousin, who made the experience smooth with each transition.
Because I knew I was going alone, I decided to take as many safety precautions as possible. First, I decided to book group tours for all my outings and, secondly, stay in a secure hotel and not an Airbnb. Do not compromise your safety when visiting a place. I will leave my itinerary here for inspirational purposes for your trip.
In total, I spent nine days and eight nights in Peru and had the opportunity to visit other magical historical places well worth it. One of the perks of booking through a travel agent, mind you, this was my first time booking one. They took care of purchasing all my tour tickets in advance. I had constant contact with a tour representative throughout the trip, updating me on my tour details, departures, arrivals, and meals.
This blog can go on because there is so much to cover about visiting Machu Picchu; here are some clear takeaways from my trip, and I hope it helps you out.
In conclusion, do not limit yourself to the bucket lists of dreams you have; they are attainable for all income levels with a bit of planning, intention, and manifestation in play. I left this trip feeling inspired to dream bigger. It is never too late to reinvent yourself and look for your future well-being. Solo traveling has been the driving catalyst for me, I learn to listen to my intuition, and it makes me accountable for the woman I want to be. I am a mother of four children, I grew up in poverty, a first-generation Latina. I had hella trauma to deal with, and I operated from a limited belief system. I had no boundaries or self-love, yet all this is attainable as soon as you begin doing the inner work to change your mindset and pursue the highest version of yourself.
My favorite quote about Macchu Picchu
A prophet once said ‘Don’t tell me what a man says, don’t tell me what a man knows. Tell me where he’s traveled?’ I wonder about that, do we get smarter, more enlightenment as we travel? Does travel bring wisdom? I think there is probably no better place to find out than Peru
– Anthony Bourdain
Traveling does make you wiser and enlightened. You see the wonders of this world, and it makes you feel like all possibilities are possible. This is how I felt visiting Machu Picchu. I encourage you to take action and visit that place that fills your mind with magic and history.
– Women Want Wellness
