What does Machu Picchu mean in Quechua? Read to the end to find out 🤗
Hello from beautiful, sunny Lima! Yup, we’re back. Sea level altitude has never felt so good.
Quick Note on Lima
I know, I know. We’re always loving on the places we visit. But seriously, Lima is next level. It’s quickly becoming one of our favorite cities in South America, and we believe it should be high on your list when you venture to this wonderful continent.
The culture is top notch, it’s super affordable, and the quality of life is phenomenal. Like, wicked fast wifi, super safe, and great food phenomenal. Yeah, I know… amazing.
If we had to, we’d probably choose Lima or Buenos Aires to live in long term out of all the cities in South America. They’re just so nice. We’ve been blown away.
We Got Sick…
We’re not sure if it was the altitude, some bad food, or just a flu (or a nasty combo), but we had headaches, cold sweats, achiness, fatigue, and other symptoms (🤢) for multiple days. Thankfully, it came in waves, so Reyka and I would alternate the worst of it, taking care of each other.
We’re feeling WAY better now after coming back to Lima, and we’re fully dedicated to healing. We got a nice Airbnb with a gym and sauna in the building and a big grocery store nearby so we’ve been working out and cooking healthy which has worked wonders.
Even while sick, we were able to explore Cuzco. As cities go, I’d say it was very fun to visit, but I’d never want to live there. Don’t get be wrong – the Inca culture, the incredibly cheap blueberries, and the llama themes are all wonderful facets of the city. That, and it serves as a gateway to some amazing sites like Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain. However, the altitude the often torrential downpours, and the jam-packed exhaust-ridden streets would all be tough to get used to long term.
At 17,000 feet, Rainbow Mountain marks the highest altitude we’ve ever reached, and the lack of oxygen was brutal. But the mountain itself was beautiful, with all sorts of striped colors.
And Machu Picchu, itself. Machu Picchu is the 4th World Wonder we’ve visited, and it was our favorite one yet. I didn’t know this before going, but it’s located in the middle of cloud forest with towering mountains straight out of Avatar (blue people). Then, sitting on top of one of these mountains, Machu Picchu rests with layer upon layer of terraces, and intricate earthquake resistant building styles.
Reyka and my one critique of world wonders has been there over visited-ness. Like, c’mon. Should we really fit 600 people at a time on the Christ the redeemer platform? And yet they do, to maximize profits.
At Machu Picchu, however, it’s so big and spread out that the amount of people wasn’t an issue, mainly because there’s enough for everyone there. It’s very well preserved, extremely impressive, an amazing experience to visit, and definitely deserves its place as a World Wonder.
Next Week Plans
For the next 5 days, we remain in Lima, getting some of this list done:
- Want to fix the drone. You may remember it being attacked by a hawk a month ago. I’m bringing it into a DJI retailer tomorrow to get it fixed.
- Edit the Aruba, Curacao, and start in on the Argentina series. We desperately want to start posting twice a week, but so far we’ve been sticking to our main day of Saturday just because these recent videos have been hefty. Wish us focus and perseverance 💪
- Trip plan. This time next week we’re going to be in an INSANE place, and I can’t wait to share about it next week.
New Video!
Ever wondered what a day in the life of us is like? Now you can find out 😋
Now, that’s all for today, but I hope you all have a week full of fun, love, and peace. We’re about to head to Subway to get some sandwiches. No hate on Jimmy Johns, Jersey Mike, or Dave’s Cosmic Subs, but Subway will always be our number one.
Also, if you were curious about the trivia question from above, Machu Picchu means “Old Mountain” in Quechua. Built 600 years ago, it’s pretty aptly named, if you ask me.
Love,
Wyatt (and Reyka)