I usually try to limit these photo essays to around 20 photos per post. With this travel series, that theory will be ignored.
There are 2 ways to travel - first class or not. Guess which we selected. Each day we were met by a driver & guide at our hotel.
This was a very active trip. Constantly on the go, we were never in the same hotel more than 2 nights. To get to Machu Picchu, one must travel via multiple airplanes, cars and trains. Then there is the bus ride up the mountain to the citadel itself. More on that in a later post.
Our summer here in the US is winter for Peru. Keep in mind Peru is south of the equator. Temperatures were around 65f during the day. Winter is their dry season, so you'll see a lot of dust.
Altitude 31,000 feet. If the Andes look close, it's because they are.
After 3 airplane flights, we land in Cusco, elevation 11,000 feet. If you were expecting glamour, try again.
I bet Pepe will drive the car down the stairs for you.
Our driver & guide took us over the mountain & through the town of Urubamba in the Sacred Valley. From there we went up and to the Pisac ruins.
Looking down.
Looking up.
One of the local women was kind enough to let us get a photo with her. This was typical dress of the people, much as seen throughout the region.
Proof we really were there.
The Inca people built using stone for walls & thatch for roofing. These structures used mortar. Others we'll see later do not.
By US standards, a lot of people would freak out since there are no guard rails or a multitude of safety paraphernalia.
The people took their surroundings and adapted. Well built stone terraces made farm land to feed the population.
There's always time for a selfie.
Again, note no rails. Anne & our guide, Gladys were aware of the drop-off.
The community was wide spread. Buildings and terraces were created where possible. Hard to describe without using terms like enormous and breath taking and awesome.
The road up and down. This was a major highway.
The little kid was not interested in tourist. The llama and alpaca were interested in the kid.
Now in the Sacred Valley. This is rich soil producing numerous crops. The corn kernels are double the size we usually see. We ate lunch at the Hacienda Sarapampa, part of a local farm.
Touring is hard work. Ending the day at the Tambo del Inca Hotel.
Our back yard.
Yes, that is a glacier on top of the mountain.
Looking across the river and up the mountain.
A proper way to end the day.
We're getting closer to Mach Picchu.
