Upon completing the 4 day Inca trail to Machu Picchu, Chi proposed to me and I said “Yes!” As I’ve always wanted a good story to tell, here is how the proposal went down…

Chi and I have talked about the next step in our long-distance relationship. I’ve hinted to him about a proposal and I knew it was coming in the near future. I also secretly hoped he would do it at Machu Picchu so it would be a unique and memorable location. 

During the days leading up to our arrival at Machu Picchu, he acted completely normal and I wasn’t sure if he was planning anything. I tried not to think about it too much so I wouldn’t be disappointed if he does not propose. 

On the fourth and final day of the trek, I was getting a little anxious… is he gonna do it? There was one moment I got suspicious because our guide ask Chi “How long have you guys been dating” and the next thing I heard was “ARE YOU KIDDING ME?” I suspected Chi told our guide, he will propose at Machu Picchu. (later confirmed these suspicions were accurate) And then, they were both a little chatty but also further away from me… I suspected Chi was investigating the best spot to pop the question (later confirmed also true) 

At that moment, I was expecting that he’s gonna do it! We arrived at the sun gates to get the first glimpse of Machu Picchu. It was crowded and nothing happened.

Next, we broke off from the group for free time and everyone had their own agenda.  Chi wanted to go to the Inca Bridge so we both went alone. This had to be the appropriate moment! At times, he needed to use the nature bathroom so I wondered if that was an excuse to get the ring ready. He suggested we sit somewhere shady to rest and even take a quick nap. The first spot we sat down at was on our way back from the Inca bridge… He said it wasn’t shady enough. So we moved to another spot facing Machu Picchu. Both stops I waited… but nothing happened. 

We were then leaving Machu Picchu and I wasn’t feeling that well. As we took the bus down to Aquas Calientes, the main town, I figured he didn’t intend to propose at this time and maybe was planning a surprise visit and proposal for my upcoming birthday or Christmas.

I woke up the next morning trying not to think about it but also wondered… hmm today is his last chance since we’re going back to Machu Picchu and doing our last hike up Machu Picchu Mountain. From that moment on, I didn’t think anymore of a possible proposal. 

We climbed 1.5 hours of uneven steps to the top of Machu Picchu Mountain for a aerial view of the ruins. As we climbed, the fog and low handing clouds were blocking our views. My mind was busy motivating me to keep climbing and also hoping the fog would dissipate by the time we climbed up. 

After we got to the top, the sun was shining and the fog lifted to reveal a spectacular view of the mountains. I felt so lucky to see this view!

There were two viewing platforms; one that was crowded with lots of tourist hanging out and another less busy spot. I kept taking photos in the busy spot as it offered the best outlook. Chi disappeared but I assumed he went to the bathroom like he always does. Our friends started to head down but I wasn’t in any rush to leave (apparently Chi advised them to head down so we could have privacy). I just got to the top and want to soak in the views. 

Chi urged me to go to the less busy platform. I agreed but wanted to find a spot to sit, rest and eat some snacks. I sat on some random rock… eating a chocolate bar from his pack. Chi was getting anxious but offered me a banana in his pack. He hoped I’d say “No” but I said “Yah, sure” and started eating it. He told me later, he was getting agitated and wanted me to stop sitting around eating so he could propose. 

Our photographer friend, Rosanna was also hanging around. I didn’t think much of it… I assumed she was tired or wanted to enjoy the view more. (Apparently, Rosanna was getting worried that her sticking around was getting suspicious because she’s usually one of the first to hike down) 

Finally I finished my banana, got up and was ready to head down. Rosanna was taking some photos of us and I asked her “How she deals with a fixed lens” and that she should shoot us closer. She did come closer and Chi told me to face the mountain to take a photo looking out to the mountains. I posed facing outwards with no idea what was coming…

I turned around and thought I saw Chi tying his shoe lace. I had to do a double take. He was on one knee with a ring in his hand and nervously asked me to marry him. He stuttered and told me his heart was beating so hard. 

I smiled and laughed hysterically before saying “Yes”.

We hugged and kissed as Rosanna capture these beautiful shots for us.

We eventually hiked down holding hands and talking about the proposal.

Chi was so scared that I’d find the ring he hid in his pack. I’ve gone through his pack multiple times to get chapstick, sunscreen and bug spray but never noticed the small headphones case he hid the ring in. He started saving for the ring in May and knew he would propose in November when we meet up. Machu Picchu mountain was always his plan… and his only plan –He had no plan B. It happened so fast… but it was magical and perfect. When I expected it, it didn’t happen and when I didn’t expect it… it happened on top of Machu Picchu with one of the most breathtaking scenery I’ve ever seen. I’m so thankful for that.  

[Huge thanks to Rosanna U for these photos that capture our special moment (rosannau.com) and Andrew U for your assistance]