Peru - Sunrise at Machu Picchu, Cuzco & the San Pedro Market

Yesterday we woke up early to see the sunrise at Machu Picchu and it was so worth it. You can see from the pictures and how clear they are. We were lucky to see a Mom and baby Alpaca. We felt so at peace and relaxed being there. Then we departed Machu Picchu and travelled on the Vistadome for a 3 hour ride trip back to Cuzco. Never a dull moment, we had wonderful snacks served to us, speciality drinks, a dance show and a fashion show during our travel on the train ride along with beautiful scenery to look at. Today we travelled to the local San Pedro market to see how they shop for their groceries and we saw so much as you can see and yes the last picture are frogs .Tonight we are off to a dinner show and then tomorrow our 10 hour bus ride to Puno and visiting lots of sites along the way.

 

Peru - Machu Picchu

Well I think the pictures speak for themselves. We departed on a wonderful train ride where we saw amazing scenery and entered the cusp of the Amazon. We started our ascent to Machu Picchu and then we were in awe! If this isn't on your bucket list I'd be adding it. We had an amazing day exploring the ruins and we are off early in the morning to see the sunrise! My last picture is the view from our hotel! Thank you Debbie Ross of Womens Travel Network.ca for co-ordinating such amazing trips and allowing me to be a part of them! They are one of a kind experience.

Peru-Cuzco and Sacred Valley

We have adjusted to the altitude, 11400 feet above sea level by drinking lots of water and the coca tea. We were in Cuzco, the capital of Inca Empire and toured many ancient sites such as Santa Domingo Church and Koricancha "the Temple of the Sun". Our travels then took us to Sacred Valley where were were amazed by Ollantaytambo archaeological complex, massive buildings of the Incas.

Another great day! We toured so many places in Sacred Valley. Our day started with us going to Quechua Village and visited the home of the Inca's ancestors. They lived off the land and we experience their traditions which included dancing, learning about how they harvest their crop and their way of life. We visited a women's Co-op where they help teach women to weave and sell their products to help them regain a sense of purpose. We then travelled the narrow country roads and saw Moray, famous for its sunken amphitheater. This site was apparently an Inca agricultural research station. Then on to the impressive Maras salt pools. We had an amazing lunch at a unique place with beautiful gardens. Our last stop for today was to Seminario Ceramic Studio and learned how the ceramics where made and viewed some beautiful pieces that are hand made and are designs from the ancient Peruvian Cultures. Now off to rest as tomorrow we are off to Machu Picchu

 

Peru, baby Alpacas, Puma's, Condors!

The sites and people are amazing in Peru. Lots of animals too-we saw the national dog, baby Alpacas, Puma's, Condors! We were in Cuzco, the capital city of the Inca Empire and now Sacred Valley. Saw Ollantaytambo archeological complex.Some of us tried the national food, Guinea Pig! Not too bad.
Our days have been filled with tours of the ancient ruins and so much history. We've all adjusted to the altitude by drinking lots of water and Coca tea.  We've seen so many sites-

Peru, Arriving in Cusco

We left Lima today to fly to Cusco for more exciting adventures.  Our short flight took us over the Andes Mountains-STUNNING!  Last night we enjoyed a lovely dinner  at Junious Restaurant and watched a wonderful Peruvian musical and folkloric show. The beauty of the dances and the costume was so unique. Off for an afternoon of touring the city of Cusco.

Peru's Ancient Civilizations June 2014-Lima, Peru

We arrived in Lima, Peru safely early this morning.  After resting up we set out right after breakfast to see Lima the "City of Kings" famous for it's Spanish Colonial architecture. We visited "The Park of Love" dedicated to lovers of the world and overlooks the Pacific Ocean. We saw many amazing sites such as the Plaza Mayor, the Government Palace and San Francisco Church. So much ancient history. We drove by Huaca Pucllana , a  clay pyramid located in the Miraflores district of central Lima, Peru, built from seven staggered platforms. It served as an important ceremonial and administrative center for the advancement of the Lima Culture, a society which developed in the Peruvian Central Coast between the years of 200 AD and 700 AD. The other ancient ruin we saw was the "Casa Bodega Y Quadra" which dates back to the early and late colonial period.  We finished our tour off by tasting some of the delicious cuisine such as the Sea Bass, Thyme Sole followed by trying the national fruit " Chirimoya" in a delicious dessert.  Tonight we are off for our Welcome dinner which includes a show!