Finally Found the Jewel of Peru

---

I am gonna let the pictures do most of the talking on this one. Cusco I found to be quite the shopper paradise- lots of textiles. I fell in love with this one type of scarf, as you will see from the pictures. Took a tour through the Sacred Valley, visiting the cute town of Ollyantaytambo before ending up at Aquas Calientes, at the base of Macchu Picchu. Had no idea i would love Aquas. Towering forested mountains with a river flowing through. I see a pattern here. Give me warm, humid, rainforest mountains and a river, and i am in heaven! Cute place and great vibe, except for the insane prices to be expected.

And then onto Macchu Picchu, where i climbed up at 5 am in time to see the mist disappating to that famous view you all have seen. I am not one of the biggest fans of ruins. most of them look like a pile of rocks to me, but this one does not disappoint!!!! Think it had something to do with the breathtaking surroundings- the same towering mountains and endless view. The hike up to Waynapicchu is sooo worth it! Pics are just for you mom! Dangling from ropes thousands of feet in the air, spiraly stairs with sheer drop offs, take your breath away altitude... but then you end up on top of a mountain overlooking Macchu Picchu. Glorious! Absolutely spectacular!!!

I am getting a bit behind on my blog now. I will try to catch everyone up on the last bit of peru. i am in la paz now and onto a jungle tour tomorrow.

Hi to everyone. Sorry i have not been able to write you all personally in response to your comments, but know that they are the absolute highlight of any day!!!!

---

Photos

Sacred Valley
kid posing for pictures for money. man, my zoom lens comes in handy!

Sacred Valley
think National Geographic would be interested in this shot? i love it!

Sacred Valley
hike for mom!

Sacred Valley
ruins at Ollyantaytambo

Ollyantaytambo
town square

Train
Train from ollyantantambo to Aguas Calientes

Aguas Calientes
surrounding countryside

Machu Picchu
token shot

Comments

[monster]

That scarf? so five it's eighteen. :) And that butterfly is TOTALLY calendar-worthy. As always, your pix are wonderful! Good to hear from you again...I was wondering if Peru had eaten you, or something.

[Holly]

Good timing!
hi- Gosh, yesterday I was just thinking that it was time to hear from you again and here was your blog today. Thanks! I wasn't sure if I should worry and if I should worry then what? These photos are unbelievable and you look wonderful. Have I thanked you for sharing? It got down to 24 night before last here. Brrrrr...... Keep having fun. love, h and j

[Korky]

Colors of the rainbow...
Tana, Wow! The colorful textiles are so amazing. I'll bet you just loved that! Machu Picchu photos are sureal. I can't believe you get to go to so many amazing places. Hope you know we miss you back in the states! Take care of your self. Enjoy!!!! Korky