Peru: Lunch Stop in the Sacred Valley
Lucho promises we will like the place he is taking us for lunch. We stop at what looks like an old hacienda (although I think it is actually new construction). It is surrounded by gardens Read More …
Category: Peru
Peru: Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley
Part of our journey retraces our route of the other day, but I am glad to have another chance to again take in the the Urumbamba Valley’s rather stark beauty. Although the landscape seems remote Read More …
Peru: Chincheros in the Sacred Valley
Our itinerary promises: Today, embark on a full day excursion to the Sacred Valley of the Incas with its amazing landscapes of fertile land, mystical ruins and indigenous villages. Up early and onto the bus Read More …
Peru: New Year’s Eve in Cuzco
After a lovely late dinner with Mark and Kathy at Map Café (the glass box that sits in the courtyard of the museum near our hotel), we walk to the plaza. The colonial churches and Read More …
Peru: Aguas Caliente
Because we have volunteered to take the later train and switch to a bus at Ollantaytambo (while the others take the “dome train” all the way back to Cuzco), we have some time to wander Read More …
Peru: A perfect morning at Machu Picchu
Return to Machu Picchu to explore the mystical ruins further. To this day nobody can explain how the Incas managed to transport the huge blocks of limestone for the city’s construction onto the mountain top. Read More …
Peru: Machu Picchu in the Rain
The rain has stopped by the time Lucho rounds us all up to catch the bus up to Machu Picchu, but the sky is remains dark and the air still wet with moisture. For those Read More …
Peru: On the way to Machu Picchu
Embark on a two-day expedition to Machu Picchu. Ride aboard the VistaDome train through the lush Urubamba Valley passing through stunning scenery. Arrive at “The Lost City of the Incas” rediscovered in 1911. The beauty Read More …
Peru: On our own in Cuzco
We finally have time on our own to explore this lively and fascinating city. Celebrating the holidays in South America
Peru: A Shopping Trip
As we leave Sacsayhuaman we pass vendors along the side of the road. They are selling prosaic items: a few cheap souvenirs, bottled water, juice, snacks, and rain ponchos. We are headed to a much Read More …
Peru: Visiting Sacsayhuaman
Cuzco is a vibrant town, dotted with archaeological sites. Venture this morning to the outskirts of Cuzco to visit the amazing ruins of Sacsayhuaman, an Inca architectural masterpiece. From this fortress enjoy fabulous views of Read More …
Peru: Introduction to Cuzco
A short morning flight to Cuzco, the fabled capital of the Inca Empire, perched at 11,000 feet above sea level. On a guided afternoon tour visit the main Inca and Colonial monuments. See the Plaza Read More …
Peru: A few thoughts about Lima
First a confession: I LIKE Lima.Most of the tour books and guided tours seem to view this teaming metropolis of 8 million as a necessary evil – the easiest place to begin a tour the Read More …
Peru: Touring Lima
After settling into our hotel, the itinerary for the day promises: This afternoon enjoy a tour of both colonial and modern Lima, founded in 1535. . . See the historical center and the San Francisco Read More …
Peru: Arrival in Lima
Early morning arrival in Lima, Peru’s diverse capital. The earth is obscured by clouds until we begin our approach into Lima. At first all I can see is water. Finally a fishing fleet comes into Read More …