Tears and laughter: Peruvian mamas embody the spirit of Machu Picchu

Author of the article:Michele Jarvie
Published Jun 11, 2024 • Last updated 6 days ago • 4 minute read



Women from the Huilloc Alto community in the highlands of Peru get their first look at Machu Picchu, a 15th-century citadel built by their Incan ancestors. Photo, Michele Jarvie cal

Standing on a ridge overlooking one of the seven wonders of the world, it’s hard to say what was more captivating: the 15th-century Incan citadel spread out below or the 16 Peruvian mamas overcome with emotion.

High in the lush Andes at 2,430 metres above sea level, Machu Picchu is breathtaking. The iconic image of the Huayna Picchu peak backstopping the ruins is so much more dramatic in person: the dark green of the mountains, the bright limey hues of the grass, the white dots of grazing alpacas and the sunlight glinting off the 600-year-old stone.

It takes work to get there, and engenders a sense of awe and wonder. But for the women of the Huilloc Alto village, it is so much more.

“We are feeling 100 per cent of Incan descent. We still use the same housing techniques with stones. We feel so connected to our ancestors,” said Justina Riquelme Rios, 33, who had waited a lifetime for this day. As a young orphan, she would hear tourists talking about Machu Picchu. “I thought, one day, I would go with the tourists. Gracias por eso,” she said through an interpreter, as tears welled up in her eyes.



Women from the Huilloc Alto community in the highlands of Peru get their first look at Machu Picchu, a 15th-century citadel built by their Incan ancestors. Photo, Michele Jarvie cal

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