The road to Machu Picchu

South America » Peru » Cusco » Cusco
March 30th 2019

Published: March 27th 2019

This has certainly been a spectacular 3 months for us. Quito, Galapagos, Selva Amazon Lodge, Cuenca, Barranco/Lima & now 12 days on the road to Nazca and beyond. The schedule is hectic. Many days start at 5.30am and involve plenty of walking, climbing and scrambling, mostly at altitude. I can’t say enough good things about Peru Tourism. We looked at their suggested tours then custom built our ... Read Full Entry

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Yanque traditions

EVERY morning from 6.30am until 7.30 these primary school children dress in local traditional clothing (boy on the left) and dance in the tiny central plaza of the town of Yanque to raise donated money from tourists on their way to Colca Canyon. Then they change into school uniforms and get back to being school kids. It would take a hard heart to reject the donation pot.

Andes eruption

We experienced an earthquake in Cuenca, now a volcanic eruption in Peru! This a good safe distance off but pretty dramatic. The 3 pics taken over no more than 5 minutes. Then it went back to sleep.

security system

Cactus takes the place of barbed wire or electrified fence.

Lake Titicaca

The floating reed islands were another unique Peruvian phenomenon. We were told that the fishermen of this area refused to be converted to farmers by the conquering Inca, so took to their reed boats. In the beginning they simply rafted up a number of boats but then began to construct floating reed islands. Fires were/are a problem.

Island construction

The chief of this small island (there are hundreds!) demonstrated the steps to build an island. Islands last 20 - 30 years. Every couple of weeks a new layer of reeds are added as the older layers rot away. The islands are anchored. As the chief said “after a windy night I don’t want to wake up in Bolivia!”

Island farmers

Further out into the lake on real islands are families that have farmed the rocky soil for countless generations. Can you spot the imposter in the Upper photo? Tourists like us are now an important part of their livelihood.

On Taquile Island in Lake Titicaca

The clear, fresh, cold water reminded us of our Lake Huron. We had a lovely lunch of grilled “Canadian” trout which thrive in the lake. They were introduced many years ago.

Shoreline

No arable land is left uncultivated as it yields only one crop per season. Ancient Peruvians mastered dehydration techniques that keep potatoes and yams edible for years.

The bus to Cusco

Ready for the last leg of our memorable journey. Cusco, the Sacred Valley then Machu Picchu. Coming right up!

27th March 2019

Lorraine Runstedler
non-member comment

Machu Picchu
Hi - Love the name - what a wonderful tour you have taken me on - Your time is near for Home Bound - you are going to have a Melt Down upon your return LOL - Naaaa - will be thinking of where to go to next

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The road to Machu Picchu

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