One step closer to heaven

After experiencing a series of travel setbacks as planes and buses were unexpectedly canceled, I was almost content to miss Machu Picchu. But fate intervened and I embarked on a six-hour bus ride to Aguas Calientes, the gateway to this ancient wonder. As I entered the sacred grounds, with the majestic Huayna Picchu gently veiled by clouds, I felt an overwhelming sense of closeness to something heavenly. Standing amongst the Inca ruins and looking up at the mist-shrouded peaks, the experience was simply indescribable - it was as if I had come closer to heaven itself.