The Lost Incan City Paititi and the Explorer in You
I can’t even imagine what it must have been like for Hiram Bingham when he came upon the forgotten Inca site of Machu Picchu in the Peruvian Andes in 1911 and presented it to the world. There must be better words to describe feelings like excitement and glee, but tenfold!
There have been various attempts to locate Paititi over the last century with one of the most recent ventures in 2008 led by the American explorer Gregory Deyermenjian who has conducted more than 10 past expeditions in search of the lost city. That same year, Peruvians discovered what they thought to be a stone fortress that could be Paititi near Cuzco, which they later dubbed Manco Pata. Unfortunately, upon closer examination, they found the ruins to be naturally formed rather than human made.
The first time I truly felt and listened to the explorer in me was during my early years in university. I had a particularly adventure-minded friend and together we raced through the forest of the local golf course in the middle of the night, getting pricked by pine needles and soaked in swamps, and inspected parts of the university beach that seemed abandoned. I left that side of me behind as I began to focus on my studies and didn’t rediscover it again until I arrived here in the Andes and trekked through its mountains.
How has the explorer in you shined through in the past or how does it currently shine through?
Tags: el dorado, explore peru, francisco orellana, gonzalo pizarro, hiram bingham, lost city of gold, lost incan city, machu picchu, manco pata, modern-day explorer, paititi
Harleena Singh@Freelance Writer
Sounds so beautiful Samantha!
Must have been really interesting when you did a little bit of the venturing out. I used to do a little bit of that when I was in college as well, but that was years back. Somehow, now we all get caught up in the rut of life and hardly have the kind of time to connect with nature, which we should.
Love your posts about Peru, it does take us to the place you describe so well. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Samantha Bangayan
Wow! I had no idea about this explorer in you too, Harleena. How cool! =) I know that I had a harder time connecting with nature in Vancouver, even though my city was so famous for it, just because it was a big city. =P Maybe it’s just more about societal values.
Thanks so much for your kind words, friend! =)
Fred Tracy
Sweet! I always love exploring.
Back when I was about 13 years old, me and a friend used to trespass on local land (I live in the country) just for the simple act of exploring.
One time, we found a stone quarry type area and a beautiful Lake, only to be harassed by a guy with a gun! turns out he was deer hunting on the land, and we scared away his catch. Whoops…
Gotta remember to be careful. 😛
Man, I wish I could find a friend who was as interested in exploring as me now.
Samantha Bangayan
Wow! I’m totally imagining you in the country now, Fred! =) I’ve always wondered what it would be like to have nature all around me, although I would hate accidentally encountering a man with a gun. =P Eek! Good thing you guys came out safely. =)
Can’t wait to explore together when you come visit! =) Hint, hint! =)
Vinny T
That was a very interesting and informative post, Thanks Samantha,The explorer has shined through in my past on several occasions while in Peru. First, many years ago while in the Peruvian rain forest, I went with my friend on a motorbike to some really fascinating and isolated villages that seemed pretty untouched by outside influences, and it was thrilling to think that I may have been the first person outside of Peru that they had ever seen. I felt like Pizarro entering Cajarmarca and first making contact with the Incas. Currently, the explorer in me shines through shines through in that I’m thinking of possibly driving across the USA from Maryland to California. I’ve gotten a lot of negative feedback about that, but still haven’t ruled it out. Still trying to decide t if it would be worth it.
Samantha Bangayan
Wow! =) I love that anecdote of your rainforest adventure. I’ve always wondered what it would be like to explore the selva because there are still so many untouched areas there!
That would be so amazing to do the road trip you’re dreaming of! =) It would provide for super interesting content in your future blog! That’s for sure! =)
Paula
I’m not sure that I have much of an explorer in me, but I do have something of an adventurous side. I love to travel and see the places that I have read about. And as you know, Peru is one of the places on my list, especially Machu Picchu. 🙂
I remember playing explorer with my sister when we were kids. We would pretend that we were in the mountains searching for Bigfoot or looking for treasure in some desert. This is the first time I’ve thought about that in years! LOL
Samantha Bangayan
Traveling is definitely exploring! We can’t help but explore when everything’s new and exciting around us, eh? =) You’re lucky in that you read about places first. I need to get into the habit of doing that, so I appreciate my surroundings and the history more. =)
Haha!! =) Your anecdote of your childhood reminds me of how I used to set up treasure hunts for my younger siblings! =)
BrowsingRome_Diana
Hi Sam,
That must have been a fantastic trek – wow! Thanks for sharing more about Peru and I really enjoy learning more about its culture through the stories that you post 🙂
I am not sure I can be considered an explorer but I enjoy discovering new places and finding out more about things in general!
Samantha Bangayan
You’re so welcome, Diana! I love our cultural exchange. =)
Discovering new places is definitely explorer! I knew there was an explorer in you. =) That has me thinking of how all of us online are explorers as we scour the Interwebs. =)
John Buchanan
Thank you for sharing this very interesting post with us. It is almost enough for me to reach for my Indiana Jones Hat!
Samantha Bangayan
Haha! I’ll have to purchase an Indiana Jones hat for myself. Maybe it’ll make me feel more explorer-like! =)
Bryce Christiansen
Haha, the question about exploring made me laugh inside because recently I was having dinner with my siblings while my parents were away and my sister was trying to think of a gift to get my dad for Christmas.
My dad is an uber tree hugger and many of the mountains, forests, and lakes around where he grew up were named after his different family members.
So my sister wanted us to see if we could find a lake or something that hadn’t been named yet near his old stomping ground that we could get named after him.
I don’t even know how to look up whether a lake you stumbled upon has a name yet or not. But that spirit of exploration is exciting and fun. I would be down for some nature exploring, whether we find something new or not.
Bryce
Samantha Bangayan
Haha! Now that’s the most creative Christmas gift I’ve ever heard of! =) What a beautiful legacy it would be to have a piece of nature named after you! Do let me know when you figure out how that works! =) Maybe we should all try and get pieces of nature named after ourselves. Hehe!
It often seems that some areas here as so rural that I could name anything I find when I go exploring. =P Maybe, here, all I’d have to do is put a sign down with my name on it. And maybe my number so people can confirm that I’m real. Haha! =)
Adrienne
Hi Samantha,
Now that’s an interesting story. I can believe that the natives there would all want to be the ones to finally “find” the lost city. Especially if it does hold the gold that the legends say.
We use to go exploring the in the woods behind our house but that’s about as much exploring as I did. Oh we would do it at my grandmothers, she lived in the country. That was always fun. I have a feeling though that it’s a lot more exciting where you are though.
Thanks for sharing this Samantha.
~Adrienne
Samantha Bangayan
That’s for sure! I’ve heard that some Peruvians aren’t too happy that Hiram Bingham got all the credit for Machu Picchu when it was actually “known” to locals even before he got there. =P
What a beautiful memory to have explored the woods as a child. So Hollywood! =)
Deeone
Fascinating post, Samantha!
It looks and sounds beautiful! Previously before I started blogging, I used to venture out and explore the mountains and historical venues here, throughout Georgia. And let me tell you, there’s a lot of them.
It’s been a minute since I’ve been able to venture out, I hope that this will change soon. I do miss it, dearly.
I think it’s not only fun to do, but you learn so much running across the history of this state. Not to mention, there’s nothing like becoming one with nature. I do love the great outdoors. 🙂
I’m glad that you enjoyed your exploration! And thanks for sharing the experience and photo. 😉
Samantha Bangayan
Wow! I had no idea there would be mountains there in Georgia. =) For some reason, I imagined the state as flatlands. =P How beautiful! All the more reason to try and visit. =)
And you’re so right about how exploring can often be tied with history! Most of my exploration moments here have been such amazing learning experiences. =)
Dayle Fraschilla
I’ve always wanted to go searching for some lost legend. I’m fascinated by stories of El Dorado, Atlantis, Camelot and others 🙂
I’m not sure how I would consider myself an explorer . . . I’ll have to think about that one!
Samantha Bangayan
Hehe! =) I can so imagine you as a discoverer, Dayle! =)
Abe Palmer
I love an adventure. Having lived in several different states and also in England I find everywhere I go there is something to treasure. My most recent adventure to Alaska has been the most diverse. I left Alaska in 2003 only to return in 2006. It was then that I met the love of my life, my Peruvian Princess whom has opened my eyes to what life is like in a whole new dimention. There are no words to discribe what she has shown me. I envy you Samantha and can’t wait till the day I can evnture out like you have.
Samantha Bangayan
Wow! I had no idea you were so well-traveled, Abe! For some reason, I had it in my mind that you had been in Alaska for the good part of your life. =P And you also bring up such an important point — we can also be explorers *through* others. I imagine you learn so much about Peru and the world through your Peruvian princess and likewise for me through my Peruvian prince. Hehe! =) Can’t wait for you to make it over here, Abe! =)
Brock Blohm
I did a lot of outdoor exploring when I was a kid – around the house.
Through my teen years, I explored the web. A lot of it. If there was something I didn’t know about or fully understand – I would reserch it. Call me a nerd, but it’s true.
Now, I am the same way. I still study anything and everything I can get my hands on. I also like to go hiking – as I now live near mountains. I spend all day up there walking around and enjoying nature. It’s fun :).
Samantha Bangayan
I find that I’m totally the same way, Brock! I’ve always been a problem solver! I attribute it to how my dad set me up with his old DOS computer when I was a kid and told me to figure it out on my own. =P
You lucky guy to be able to live near mountains and let out your outdoor explorer too. =)
Tambre Leighn/coaching by tambre
LOVE the idea of the explorer…that is so fabulous, Samantha. For me, it touches on the idea of being open to possibilities and also taking the next step of experimenting or trying something new. Funny that I consistently did this in my life and where my learning has been was to not abandon myself when my exploration reached a point of breaking through in something at a level of mastery. Finally with coaching (by being coached), I was able to explore the possibility of becoming one, explore the training process fully engaged and then embark on a whole new destination of living my dream and making a difference for others…and now I consistently follow the map to the top of the mountain, not just to base camp. And Macchu Picchu is on the list! Thanks for giving us a taste of it.
Samantha Bangayan
I hadn’t even thought about the qualities behind being an explorer, Tambre. You’re so right! There’s a certain openness and curiosity that’s part of it all! And there’s also that element of not giving up. It’s often when we’re on the verge of something great that we’re most tempted to give up on something, eh?
You are a true explorer and a role model for me, friend! =)
Roy A. Ackerman, Ph.D., E.A.
Every time I step into the lab, I am an explorer. My goal is to develop something new.
I am not quite so explorative when I use my skills in the kitchen, though. My guests must be able to leave satiated…
We find the use for our explorer skills in many different venues.
Samantha Bangayan
Ooh! I can relate to this one, Roy! Scientific investigations may even be the beginning of my exploratory tendencies. =)
Haha! And great example with kitchen exploratory skills! =)
Roberta Budvietas
I used to love travel but then the airports and lines got to me so now I explore online and meet lovely people like you who take me on wonderful adventures
Samantha Bangayan
Aww! Thanks for the beautiful compliment, Roberta. =) It’s amazing how much we can explore online! =)
Thom Brown
I always wanted to go to Machu Picchu. My daughter went there when she was working in Cuzco. I’m envious. I’ll need oxygen though.
Samantha Bangayan
Wow! How cool to know that your daughter has been here and worked here before, Thom! =) I imagine that the tour guides will be prepared for anyone/everyone who needs oxygen. =) No excuses now! Hehe!
Muriel
It is raining in London and your post made me want to catch the first flight to South America. I need to see this!
Samantha Bangayan
Haha! =) Then you’ll have to come in the summer months when we don’t have thundershowers. =)
cath
Your posts always teach me something…and I always loved history, especially about the Incas. The explorer in me treks mainly through books. When I have an idea or want to know something, I start digging. This started as a child when I read the family encyclopedias constantly. It began a lifelong curiosity about all things.
I do enjoy traveling and seeing new sights too…I guess you can just call me curious cathy…. 😀
Samantha Bangayan
How cool, Cath! A lot of people have told me that they have always been interested in Peru, but when I think about my childhood, I don’t think I ever learned about Peru once. =P
Wow! I love that image of trekking through books and it has me yearning for my library back home! It’s so difficult to get books in English here, so you can be sure that I’ll be parked in front of the bookcase when I head back in December! =)
Joy
No wonder Peru is ‘home’ to you. You are constantly finding / rediscovering more of yourself over there, every step of the way! I’m not an ‘adventurous’ person by general standards. However, I do have a curious mind and I am quite adventurous with food :-))
Samantha Bangayan
I hadn’t thought about it that way, Joy! You’re so right! =) I think it feels like “home,” especially because I’m learning more and more about myself. =) Life isn’t stagnant anymore!
Hehe! Adventures through your mind and with food count too! =) Now that I think about it, I’m also pretty explorative when it comes to dining. =)
Lalia Voce
Like you I wonder what it must be like to make such a discover as a lost city. Wow. It boggles the mind to even think of such a discovery. Beautiful post Samantha 🙂 xo
Samantha Bangayan
I know eh! =) I almost feel like it can happen if I walked around the rural rainforest or something. =P Haha!
Penelope J.
Fascinating post. Has my imagination going full tilt. Along with half of the world, I’d love to go to Machu Picchu. On my bucket list. That it was only discovered in 1911 says a lot about how isolated and hidden it was. (Palenque in the Yucatan jungle was only discovered in the 1930s.) At one time, I had this misplaced romantic idea about becoming an explorer/archaeologist and took some courses at London University. The geology one was OK but when it came to digging around and all the shit work (dig, dig, dig and discomfort) that goes into even the most minor discoveries, I gave up. The 19th and early 20th centuries seemed full of great explorers like Hiram Bingham, but new discoveries seem as elusive as the mythical El Dorado. Yet you never know what great find the next explorer will unearth. So much still waiting to be discovered.
Thanks for this insightful and humorous (about your exploring trip) post.
Samantha Bangayan
It’s totally mind boggling to think that this entire city was unknown to the rest of the world until 1911! I had no idea about Palenque and how late it was “discovered” too!
Haha! You know, I went through the exact same experience, Pennie. =) I thought a lot about anthropology and archeology, but the grunt work is… physical labor. =) Maybe some archeologists will let me tag along as a translator. =P
kandie
Can’t believe I know someone who has trekked through the Andes. Wow! Explorer indeed! Thanks for the tip! (lost city tale). LOL
Samantha Bangayan
Haha! =) Thanks, Kandie! Your encouragement means so much to me! And best of luck to you on the writing! Don’t hesitate to let me know if you need any more help. =)
Mario
I love exploring different countries and I had this feeling since I was a little boy. I really love to explore areas outside of my familiar surroundings. I can relate about when you enter a new area and you want to explore it just to be able to observe everything. I am in China and I love to see the old temples and ancient towns that have existed for years. I try not to get into the tourist mode of pictures but I do take some to remember the place. Love this article by the way and apologies for this late entry.
Samantha Bangayan
So great to meet you, Mario! It’s never too late to comment and thanks so much for the kind words. =) I’ve never been to China before, but your writing reminds me of exploring the old temples in Kyoto, Japan when I lived near there in Osaka. I hope you continue to thoroughly enjoy it there! Explore it out! =)