A Trip to Take Your Breath Away
It was hard to believe anything could compare to my experience in the Galapagos Islands. But once we left Ecuador, we headed to Peru and I have to say it was even more breathtaking!
Cuzco
We landed in Cuzco, Peru later than we had hoped due to flight delays. Luckily we still had enough time for an afternoon filled with culture and history. I immediately felt the difference in atmosphere and energy; Cuzco is 11,200 feet above sea level.The Peruvians serve coca tea everywhere you go which is supposed to help you adjust, so I gulped down a cup or two.
We made our first stop at the Temple of the Sun and began our education on the Inca empire. It is fascinating how the community members were able to work together to build this magnificent and enormous temple in what is now Peru using 130 million adobe bricks placed at exactly the right angles. With no modern tools and equipment of course!
Inside the walls of the Sun Temple
Cuzco is a beautiful city that has grown so much in the last ten years. It is now inhabited by almost half a million people. We checked out the market, always my favorite part of experiencing a culture.
Beautiful fruit selection
Woman selling bread at the market
Black corn!
In Peru, you can find more than 3800 varieties of potatoes! They differ in size, shape, color, texture, and taste, but they all have their place in Peruvian cuisine. It made me wonder, why do we have such a limited potato variety here in the U.S.??
Potatoes at the market
We stayed at the lovely Hotel Monasterio. It was the perfect combination of history and elegance.
After a great night’s sleep we woke up early and boarded the Orient Express to Machu Picchu!
On the train to Machu Picchu
We were serenaded by local musicians in the station and on the train.
I even took some video so I could share with you!!
It all feels very magical as you’re whisked away through the Sacred Valley of the Incas. We ate and drank as we traveled. Then we were dropped off in Aguas Calientes, 2km from Machu Picchu!
Come with me on my next blog as I take you on a hike into the Peruvian mountains to the lost city of the Incas!!
Have you ever been to Peru?? What was your experience like? I want to hear all about it!
