With every climb, I honor your spirit
As I embark on this climb up Huayna Picchu, I carry with me the memory of my beloved husband of 30 years. This journey is dedicated to him, a testament to our countless adventures we shared. With each step, I feel his presence beside me, guiding me up the steep, ancient stone stairways built by the Incas.
Reaching the summit, I am greeted by breathtaking views of Machu Picchu and the surrounding Andes. It is here, at this majestic height, that I feel closest to him. Together, we are, in spirit and in heart, conquering this peak. His love is my anchor, and this climb is our victory.
This ascent is not just a physical journey but a spiritual one, honoring the bond we shared and the love that continues to lift me higher.
For my husband, Kevin who always believed in reaching new heights, this climb is for you.
Every step is for you, every summit is for us
In your memory, I climb higher
My adventure begins right at the Circuit 3 main entrance, where I present my ticket and pass through the control point. The excitement is obvious as I join fellow adventurers, all ready to explore the ancient Inca citadel. The path leads me through the main ruins of Machu Picchu. I pass by significant structures like the Temple of the Sun, and the Room of the Three Windows. Every turn offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and the distant Urubamba River—it’s like stepping back in time
Holding You in My Heart at Every Altitude
After exploring the main site Machu Picchu, I make my way to Huayna Picchu. The trail starts at the far end of Machu Picchu, near the Sacred Rock. There’s another checkpoint where I need to show my special ticket for Wayna Picchu. Before starting my climb up Wayna Picchu, I first had to sign the logbook at the base. I wrote down my name, along with the time I was starting the climb. The staff reminded me that I’d need to sign out as well, recording my time when I returned. It added a sense of accountability, knowing they tracked everyone’s safe return. As I approached what I thought was the starting point of Wayna Picchu, I realized there was still more climbing to do before even reaching the base. The path ahead wound upwards, snaking through lush vegetation and ancient stone steps.
Scaling Peaks in Your Honor
The real adventure kicks off as I face the steep and narrow path that snakes up the mountain. This part of the trail has earned a rather scary nickname—the “Stairs of Death.” It sounds a bit challenging, but the name pretty much fits the bill with its dizzying steepness and the jaw-dropping drops just a misstep away. Thankfully, this path is well-maintained and comes with handrails in those particularly tricky spots. These give a bit of a safety net providing some comfort as I muster the courage and energy to keep climbing. Every step up this mountain feels like a mix of thrill and challenge.
For Every Mountain, a Memory
Huayna Picchu: I made it!
After what felt like hours of huffing and puffing, I finally reached the summit of Wayna Picchu. It was incredible—just like reaching the sky. The moment my feet touched the top, I was surrounded by endless views of the mountains and valleys below, as if I could almost reach out and touch heaven itself. The beauty around me felt surreal, and standing there, I knew I had triumphantly succeeded in the climb.
But this wasn’t just a personal victory. As I stood at the peak, I felt a powerful connection to my dear husband, Kevin. This climb wasn’t just for me—it was in memory of him. Reaching the top felt like a tribute, a way to honor him and the life we shared. In that moment, I smiled, knowing that wherever he was, Kevin would be proud of this journey I made, both physically and emotionally.