Well, we were the last group to enter Machu Picchu sanctuary through the Intipunku on this day. After a couple of quick pics, we caught the last bus down to Aguas Calientes. I doubt I shall ever see MP again, so beautiful and majestic! Everyone was gone but the llamas. We walked down the paths toward the exit silently. After four beautiful days and thousands of steps, it was quite a site to behold!
We entered the Sun Gate about 45 minutes before and trudged through the light rain. The stone walkways were high and wide and seem to hang off of the mountains with steep drops over the edge. We were cold, wet and sore from so many miles, but smiles never left our faces. The feeling of accomplishing your goal is so powerful! We walked through the last official gate at MP and celebrated with a hug. We will return in the morning for sunrise and our tour of the complex. Now what? A hot shower, dinner and bed!
Woo hoo! We made it!
Well, we were the last group to enter Machu Picchu sanctuary through the Intipunku on this day. After a couple of quick pics, we caught the last bus down to Aguas Calientes. I doubt I shall ever see MP again, so beautiful and majestic! Everyone was gone but the llamas. We walked down the paths toward the exit silently. After four beautiful days and thousands of steps, it was quite a site to behold!
We entered the Sun Gate about 45 minutes before and trudged through the light rain. The stone walkways were high and wide and seem to hang off of the mountains with steep drops over the edge. We were cold, wet and sore from so many miles, but smiles never left our faces. The feeling of accomplishing your goal is so powerful! We walked through the last official gate at MP and celebrated with a hug. We will return in the morning for sunrise and our tour of the complex. Now what? A hot shower, dinner and bed!
Woo hoo! We made it!Up Next...
Learning, Connecting, and Birdwatching at the Belize Birding Festival
Guest post by Holbrook Ambassador Debbie JordanEarlier this month, I was honored to represent Holbrook as the keynote speaker at the fifth annual Belize Birding Festival. Way down in the southeast co
Photo of the Month: November 2025
Above: On the way to see baobab trees at sunset on the red dirt roads in the bush of Madagascar, we stopped as the young goat herders crossed directly in front of us, looking like majestic figures in the sunlit, dusty glow. It felt like the scene of a movie, and this photo captured the feeling of that moment perfectly.
eBird Trip Reports: South Africa
Want to know which species other Holbrook travelers have seen on their birding trips to South Africa? Check out these eBird trip reports shared by past groups to see their checklists and get an idea of what you might encounter on your own birding expedition.
Want to hear about upcoming trips?
Sign up for our newsletter and get the latest updates on upcoming trips, deals, and more.
