A Journey to Machu Picchu: Awe, History, and Shared Struggles

Standing at the entrance to Machu Picchu, I was immediately struck by the grandeur of this ancient citadel. The mist clung to the mountains like a protective veil, as though nature itself sought to shield this sacred place from the outside world. It was the kind of beauty that takes your breath away, the kind that silences your thoughts and commands your reverence. As I stepped forward, I realized this wasn’t just a journey to an iconic tourist destination—this was a journey into history, resilience, and the shared struggles of colonized peoples.

The Guide’s Passionate Storytelling

Our guide’s voice was rich with pride and pain as he unraveled the story of the Inca civilization. He spoke of their architectural genius, their spiritual connection to the land, and the devastating impact of colonization. His words weren’t just facts; they were an ode to his ancestors, to a legacy that had been almost extinguished but never forgotten. Listening to him, I felt an overwhelming sense of respect—not just for the Incas, but for him, a man who carried the torch of his people’s history with unwavering passion.

As he described the meticulous stonework, the agricultural terraces that defied gravity, and the astronomical precision of the Intihuatana stone, I couldn’t help but draw parallels to my own heritage. His pride reminded me of the elders in my community back in South Africa, who recount the stories of our ancestors with the same fervor, the same determination to keep our history alive despite centuries of erasure.

The Weight of Colonization

Machu Picchu isn’t just a testament to the brilliance of the Inca civilization; it’s also a silent witness to the atrocities of colonization. The guide spoke of the Spanish conquest with a palpable sorrow, recounting the destruction of temples, the plundering of gold, and the forced assimilation that sought to erase a culture rich in tradition and wisdom. As he spoke, my heart ached with a familiar pain—the pain of a shared history of colonization.

Being South African, I couldn’t help but see the parallels between the Inca’s struggle and the struggles of Black South Africans. The land stolen, the traditions suppressed, the people exploited. Yet, what struck me most was the resilience—the way the Inca legacy survived in the faces and voices of modern Peruvians, just as our heritage endures in the music, art, and stories of my people.

Awe and Reflection

Walking through the ancient pathways of Machu Picchu, I felt a profound connection to this place. It was more than the awe-inspiring views or the intricate ruins; it was the spirit of resilience that lingered in the air. As the guide explained the spiritual significance of each structure, I felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude for the opportunity to witness this marvel, to learn from a people who, like my own, have endured and persevered.

I paused at the Sun Gate, gazing out over the sprawling beauty of the Andes. In that moment, I felt the weight of history—both theirs and ours. The struggles of the Inca people and the struggles of Black South Africans are separated by continents and centuries, yet they share a common thread: the resilience of the human spirit in the face of oppression. I felt a renewed sense of purpose, a reminder of the importance of honoring our past while forging a future rooted in dignity and pride.

A Call to Remember and Connect

My visit to Machu Picchu wasn’t just a journey to an archaeological wonder; it was a journey into the shared soul of humanity. It reminded me that while our histories may differ, our struggles are often intertwined, and our resilience is universal. As I left the citadel, I carried with me not just memories of its beauty, but a deeper understanding of the importance of preserving and honoring the stories of those who came before us.

Machu Picchu isn’t just a reminder of what was lost; it’s a testament to what remains. And as someone from a colonized country, it’s a reminder that our stories, our struggles, and our triumphs are worth telling, worth remembering, and worth passing on.