Machu Picchu was a destination that I put on my personal seven wonders of the world list a few years back.  Of course, this led to a heavy dose of anticipation as we made our way up the mountain.  Though it’s only a short 20-minute climb up to the ruined city once you disembark the shuttle bus, it is quite steep.  With each step my anticipation grew until finally I reached the top and Machu Picchu was before me.

As soon as I got off the plane I felt the heat.  Stifling heat that only comes with a special level of humidity.  As we flew in I peered out the window and saw the rain forest, stretching for miles.  Miles and miles of thick, lush, trees.  It was a while before I was immersed in the jungle.  A bumpy car ride, a boat, and a ten-minute hike through the trees brought me to my jungle lodge.