Travel to Machu Picchu in the Morning

Woke up to a glorious day and the sun just kissisng the  surrounding mountains… yet, in the background further away, you could see puffy clouds shrouding the  mountains further away.  Such a wonderful way to start the day in which we would be travelling to Machu Picchu!

After brekky, we boarded our little Mercedez Van Bus… and headed to the train station located in Ollantaytambo.  We had some time before our train arrived and we walked the town.  Right across from the town, there was a massive Inca fortress. Nearby was the beginning of the 4 day hike to Machu Picchu… very rigorous and lots of climbing.  Glad we got to take the train.  I enjoyed taking pictures in Ollantaytambo and really began to realize just how much the Inca's settled the land... and created cities and temples.

Forgot to mention, the previous evening, we had a wonderful presentation by an expert on the Inca Ruins.  It was so enlightening.  Did you know that no one ever lived at Machu Picchu?  It was never completed.  It created a real interest in me to do some more research later on the Inca’s.
When the train arrived at it's final spot, we then boarded a bus for the bumpy, steep, switchback ride up to the Sanctuary at Machu Picchu where we would be staying! 

Sacred Valley Explore to the Highlands!

 Quechua Highlanders.  

Climbed up to 12000 feet to visit with these folks.  They don’t  speak Spanish and live pretty much the same as they have for years.  About 35 families are part of this group.  They dress in the traditional Peruvian style.  No TV’s, etc… they do have some electricity and some regular toilets (although they are located outside the homes).  They spent much of our visit showing us what they did with all the plants in place of medications, foods they prepared and how they create and the make their clothing, etc.  They still till their fields with oxen and only go to town for medical emergencies, etc. 

After spending about 90 minutes there (after an hour drive to get there), we headed back down the mountain… by the way, hiking just the little bit we did there to get to the  farm field, ALL of us were winded.  The oxygen levels up there are not at all what any of us were use to!  Once we were back down to about 10000 feet we stopped at a place for a bite to eat, another great Peruvian meal, and then headed back to the hotel for free time!!! Yeah… caught up on this stuff..

Tomorrow, train to Macchu Pichu the spending the night  there.  Can’t wait for that!

Everyone needs a snooze, even when you have guests!

   

Bill, one of our tripmates... cool profile... we had stopped for a meal...

Back at our hotel!!!

Cusco and then on to Sol y Luna, Sacred Valley

Up and at ‘em, breakfast, and off to the airport (about 50 minute away from the city).  All this hurry up and wait sometimes is frustrating, but it is what it is as my sister says!

Arrived around 11ish to Cusco, rounded up the luggage and headed to the city square for some lunch.  Caught the tail end of a festival which was fun and colorful.  We’ve been fortunate that we’ve been pretty much just eating the cultural food here.  Lots of new flavors and I love all the styles of corn.  Big chunky kernel, tiny kernels, all good!  Fish, Meat, Quinoa, again, new and interesting versions.  Thinking I like this Peruvian food!

After our meal, we headed for our next stop.  About 90 minutes through gorgeous countryside, mountains surrounding a gorgeous valley.  Stopped for a great photo op with us alone and the group.  We also stopped at an Alpaca/Lama Farm.  Those guys are so cute... but big and sometimes, can be ornery!  Especially to each other if one feels they are encroaching on their little area... SPITTING something atrocious!  

Back in the van and headed to our next dwellings for the following two days.  Sol Y Luna… GORGEOUS GORGEOUS GORGEOUS !  Yes I have to capitalize and shout.  It’s beautiful.  We have our own casita with the mountains surrounding us.  Gilmar arranged for a cooking demonstration with the chef there… and a Pisco Sour demonstration with the bartender… What fun and so good.  Had small plates of everything that was prepared.  When all done, Gilmar announces:  “Now it’s time for dinner!”… WHAT!  Then another three course meal. We skipped parts of that and didn’t finish the whole main dish.  This is like being on a cruise ship.  Finished up and headed for bed.  Next day was a new adventure.

Jerry and his friend!

Sacred Valley

Little taxis everywhere!

view from our patio!