Blogs from Machu Picchu, Cusco, Peru, South America - page 5

Oh my, today was a tough one. Uphill, caring my backpack for seven hours. It was extremely challenging. I spend most of it along because I walk so slow compared to my freakishly tall comrades. I can’t wait to get there. Even though today was the “most difficult day” due to the verticalness, tomorrow we are actually walking further. Just not as steep. It will be nine hours, and mostly straight down. My knees hate me already. Oh! I forgot to mention, Mom and Dad knew about the Ayahuasca ceremony. After my mom demanded to know what “overnight mountain tour” I was going on, I just told her “Etnikas” not expecting her to look into it further. Duh, she looked into it. I have to say, I am very impressed with them! They were more curious ... read more

PERU: Machu Picchu...entering the eyes of the cat. Some animals look shy...some coy...some defiant...some blankly...some all knowing. An alpaca as if it's about to laugh...a llama as if it's going to waggle it's behind...a Peruvian dog as if it's come in a spacecraft. But it's only the cat that conveys airs of mastery...and of mystery. Kinda think the Incas would've elevated cats to god-like status...if the Egyptians hadn't thought of it first. Some look surprised...some proud...some with allure...some as if they are in charge...some blah blah zay. But when I enter a cat's eyes I enter it's psyche...a spiritual place...ethereal...out of this World. Where there are stony greys...splintered yellows...fractured black & whites...shimmering greens...proud airs...whiskers of clouds...shards of light. A bit like Machu Picchu...when you are up at that height. **... read more

We flew to Cusco from Lima, over the snow topped Andes mountains. Cusco is the heart of the once mighty Inca Empire. It is a fascinating city at 12,000' elevation and is accessible to many Inca archaeological ruins. Population approximately 350,000 and is the oldest, continuously, inhabited city of South America. Cusco has had many earthquakes over the years. Massive Incan built stone walls line many of Cusco's buildings. The streets are often steep and narrow and you'll see many decendents of the Inca's as you walk through the city. When Columbus arrived in the Americas, Cusco was the thriving, powerful capital of the Inca Empire until Spanish conquistadors destroyed the civilization during their 16th century colonial quest. The Inca Empire had its origins in the twelfth century. Manco Capac was one of the earliest Inca ... read more

I booked onto the 4D/3N Inca Jungle Trek with Inka Time Tours which is located up Calle Triunfo off Plaza de Armas to the right of the cathedral, toward the top of the street. I originally went them as my brother Rich had used them when he came to Peru & I took them being in business after 6yrs as a good sign. I did look around a few other agencies, but the only cheaper ones I found offered you less time in Machu Picchu. The tour cost me $240 for 4D including 3B/L/D, guide, transport, 3N accommodation, Machu Picchu ticket, Train ticket & bus back to Cuzco, biking, rafting & zip-lining. Day 1: My guide for the trek (Gerson or "Geoff") picked me up at my hostel & then collected the others before we got ... read more

After many years of dreaming of visiting Machu Picchu we are almost there! However we took the easy option of getting there on the train from Cusco rather than the 4 day hike up the Inca trail. The journey here up to Aguas Caliente was amazing. As the train chugged slowly through the valley following the Urubamba river, vast mountains towered above us. The river rushed along tumbling over the rocky bed at great speed. Almost four hours later we arrived in Aguas Caliente, the little town that is the gateway to Machu Picchu. We have two nights here so our plan is to set off early tomorrow to see the sunrise and then explore the site itself. We spent this afternoon exploring the area, shopping in the craft market and visiting a butterfly farm. ... read more