Second day at Machu Picchu and we had an option to take a challenge hike on the Inca Trail to the Sun Gate, located 1,000 feet higher than the main grounds of Machu Picchu.  The Sun Gate is the highest point of Machu Picchu and consists of two stones set at a narrow passage in a crevice of the mountain.  From it you can see all of Machu Picchu.  I was excited to embark on my  Machu Picchu dream experience.  I had been a little sick the night before, so I didn’t eat breakfast, but I felt ready to go.

The hike was going great, but about half-way to the top I got light headed and then passed out.  Someone caught before I went totally down, but I did knock off a piece of the 500 year-old wall with my arm.  My guide called on a fellow guide who was in the area to revive me with a special Incan blend of oils.

After I had rested a bit we hiked to the next rest stop, and my guide told me he did not think I should continue and should wait there for the group to return and then hike down with the group.  I was heartbroken but certainly understood why they needed to be cautious.

So after quite awhile resting in the shade and accepting I would not have this experience on this day, I looked up and there was our main guide.  He said if I really wanted to try it, he would take me up to meet the group coming down and pass me off to the hiking guide who would go back to the top with me.

I was so happy to have the chance to do this.  We took off and when we met the group coming down, Eddy, the hiking guide took me to the top.   I made it the whole way, and the view was spectacular.

Here’s Eddy my wonderful hiking guide.

Here is me feeling joyful to have made it.

And here is the beautiful view.