Machu Picchu and the Power of Pachamama

South America » Peru » Cusco » Inca Trail
March 23rd 2009

Published: March 26th 2009

When my brother Tyler told me about his trip to Machu Picchu with his girlfriend Jolene last year, my mind wondered Matchoo what? Where? Peru(!) Who goes to Peru? Almost one year later, we went to Peru, hitting Cuzco and the capital Lima, with the four-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu in between. Machu Picchu is probably the most recognizable symbol of the once mighty Inca Empire, which, for all i... Read Full Entry

Photos are below

Photos: 37, Displayed: 21

Lizard

On the ruins.

Terraces

At Machu Picchu.

Sacred Valley

Another shot of the Urubamba River, as seen from Machu Picchu.

Window

The building with the tarp is the Sun Temple, currently under restoration.

Ground level

The ancient city of Machu Picchu. Because of the uneven and difficult to reach locales, the Quechua did not make use of the wheel for construction purposes, relying solely on manpower.

Protesters

Hundreds of protesters marched on busy Av El Sol in Cuzco on March 11. They were rural farmers who were protesting the privatization of the water supply in Peru.

Riot Police

Keeping the peace on Av El Sol in Cuzco. We got boxed into the action, between the protesters, police and media, but it was quite peaceful and we were never in danger. This is the last photograph downloaded from my camera.

Central Lima

We spent five days in Lima, mostly chilling out in the pretty business district of Miraflores. We didn’t bother to go into Central Lima until Marc’s birthday, when we also enjoyed a nice dinner out and saw Watchmen (wow!) in the theatre.

Peruvian artifact

At the National Museum in Lima.

Quipi

On display at the national museum, the quipi is an ancient recording device (for accounting and historical purposes) that relied on tying knots on a series of string. Quipi are believed to have been used in Peru as early as 3,000 years B.C.

Ceiling

In the Gran Hotel Bolivar, Lima.

Have it your way

Detail on the exterior of the Iglesia de la Merced, Lima.

Nun

At an accessories store in central Lima.

Iglesia de Santo Domingo

Central Lima.

Family photo

At the Monumento de Francisco Pizzaro, Lima.

Monumento de Francisco Pizzaro

Central Lima.

26th March 2009

James Connolly
non-member comment

Sweet deal
You guys are troopers! Loved the blog and your latest set of adventures. Sorry to read about the purse, but more sorry to read about the pictures vanishing from said purse. :( Look forward to seeing you guys in April. Is the countdown on your blog an ETA to Alberta, or Canada more generally? When will you be in the Kelowna area? Stay safe, Smiths! Cheering you home from afar. ~The Connolly/Escaravage duo (James and Rachelle)

27th March 2009

Liz
non-member comment

Here I come!
I SOO want to do this now!! ;) Thanks!

27th March 2009

Ramz
non-member comment

Great eexperience !!
Dear Smiths, Wow what an experience ! It was just amazing going through your blog, your narration, your snaps too good. I am far away in India but had a feeling of having visited myself. do visit my page when you find time. bye, Ramz

29th March 2009

katrina
non-member comment

so cool...
love reading your blogs - the details make me feel like I'm there with you. I've actually been thinking about planning a trip to Peru myself, people think I'm crazy - why Peru? - this is why! can't wait to talk to you more about it. Stay safe. Love ya! Katrina

30th March 2009

Jonathan
non-member comment

And for sure, my friends, just in case, I want to hear more about this young Irish couple, especially this JonathAn character, he sounds like a young Marlon Brando. Anyhoo, read the rest of your blogs, except for the one where you go home to Canada, thats just weird. They´re amazing. See ya!

31st March 2009

the soul cultivator
Claire Hall

Was walking there with you...this brought back such good memories and your panoramic is breath taking....X

14th April 2009

Lisa
non-member comment

You can do it!
Hi Guys, you can make it!!! I am so sorry to hear about your purse - you must of been crushed. Thinking about you! See you back home, :) Lisa

31st May 2009

Katravels
Katherine

Amazing first picture of Machu Picchu in the mist! Makes me want to go back again

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