This post features student writing.

This morning, we endured another early wake up, this time to see Machu Picchu at sunrise. Leaving while it was still dark outside was definitely worth it, and we got to Machu Picchu before the crowds, and as the sky was lighting up in a beautiful soft pink. The site lived up to every high expectation we had set for it, and more. After taking the “classic photo” (as our guide Wilson referred to it), we embarked on an hour-long hike to the Sun Gate, and a view of Machu Picchu with its surrounding, stunning landscape of lush mountains. From Wilson, we learned that just behind the mountains was the Peruvian Amazon rainforest. Also while we were at the Sun Gate, we witnessed a couple’s successful wedding proposal!

After that hike, we were able to explore the Machu Picchu ruins up close by walking through the abandoned city with a guide. That wrapped up our long-awaited Machu Picchu experience, and it was certainly one of the biggest highlights of the program, and a day that many of us will never forget. Since we were all pretty exhausted, we relaxed in the afternoon, treating ourselves to lovely massages and a huge lunch (with live music!) in Aguas Calientes.

— Lila B.