Iquitos, Peru

Cusco -> Lima -> Iquitos

Last leg of the trip. We're headed for the Amazon! It'll be a nice to change to finally get consistently warm weather. I don't really know what to expect from this place, but I'm excited. I'm always excited to visit new places. Just as it's been a dream to visit Machu Picchu and hike the Inca Trail, it's also a dream to see the Amazon. Just about an hour left on this plane ride and we're there!

The Birthing of a Llama

I experienced many "firsts" today. I am walking on the ruins of Machu Picchu, it's my first day as an engaged woman and my first time witnessing the birthing of a llama. As we were exploring the ruins, we noticed a small crowd of people surrounding a llama. Once we got closer, we saw what the commotion was - she was giving birth.

Machu Picchu

2,430m above sea level lies the mystery and beauty of the Inca ruins, Machu Picchu. Photos just don't do this place justice.

An Intipunku Proposal

 After hiking for about 5 straight hours, we finally reached the final steps to Intipunku (the Sun Gate). This is the highest part of Machu Picchu and you have to climb this to get the first sighting of the famous ruins. After climbing up like a monkey, we got our first look and it was breathtaking and unlike anything I've ever seen before. The mystery behind it is captivating in itself. We felt so accomplished and what a reward!

After letting it sink in for a moment, I looked over at Craig who had this expression on his face and immediately I knew what was going to happen next.

 Through all of my awkward fidgeting (while also nervously laughing), I managed to miss half of all the great things he said but was still able to mutter the word, "yes." May 29, 2011 - was a special day and I even got a special stamp at the ruins! There's nothing like the feeling of getting a new stamp on your passport (especially on the day you got engaged).

Wondrous things can happen at one of the wonders of the world :)

Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

We woke up at about 3am today to get ready and pack everything we needed for the trek. We planned to do the shortened Inca Trail trek since we only had about 11 days in the country and I wasn't sure I could camp out for 4 straight days. At about 4am, we met our guide Nelida of Llama Path to head out to Ollantaytambo which was about an hour away. Here, we then hopped on a train ride to the 104km point. This took about another hour and after all that - we finally arrived!

So much excitement was running through me, yet I was nervous at the same time because I didn't know what to expect. It was also just crazy to me that 2 years ago I was planning this trip until it fell through. Now, it was finally happening.

The trek was a challenge for the first few hours. Everything was uphill, there were a ton of stone steps (300 just in one area alone) and when you throw in the elevation factor it was a whole different ball game. The beauty and history along the trail really made it worthwhile and I'm so glad I did it. I highly recommend the walking stick - it definitely helps in those moments when you're just completely exhausted.

 Throughout the trek, we saw several archeological sites, learned about the Inca history, learned a few Quechua words and phrases and even had a picnic lunch in an old temple. It was an amazing experience and visiting Machu Picchu wouldn't be the same without the work it takes to get there by foot.

Check back for what happened towards the end of the trek as we approached the famous ruins...

The City Tour of Cusco

 Apparently everyone goes on the Cusco City Tour so, we did the same. When I travel, I don't normally do city tours because I like to stay at my own pace and not have to wait for people or stay at places longer than I need to and my reasoning for this was confirmed after we were just one hour into the tour. We definitely saw beautiful sights, but I don't really need to know what every little piece of item is made out of inside a church especially when almost everything inside the church was made out of Cedar wood or painted in gold leaf. Anyway, it was beautiful nonetheless. In addition to the cathedral, we also visited nearby ruins and even stopped by an alpaca factory - one of the few places you can buy 100% alpaca products.

Cusco City

Completely tired out by that unexpected 4-hour hike, we pile into a few taxis and head back to Cusco city which will be our hub for the next few days. This is the main city that tourists stay in prior to heading out to Machu Picchu. We checked into the Amaru Hostal. Don't be fooled by the name, this place is unlike any hostel I've ever been to. I am still bewildered by the name myself because here, our rooms were cleaned daily, the place was spic and span, there was delicious free breakfast every morning and the service was outstanding. All of that for an extremely reasonable price. After check in, we explored the city and my poor sister Kristi managed to slip, fall and sprain her foot in the process (be careful here - the city is dusty and there are lots of stone walkways that are slippery and it's not a good idea to wear flip flops).We ended the night with dinner at the Inka Grill. Not one of us had a bad meal and we even got to try Chica, a traditional alcoholic drink of Peru made from purple maize.

Pisac Ruins

Before we headed out to Cusco, we decided to hike the Pisac ruins. I've read through a ton of travel blogs and books that recommend this place as good practice before the actual Machu Picchu trek and a good way to acclimate. It was a lot more strenuous than we thought. It ended up being 4 hours long, hot as hell and we got lost (they said there's only one way down and it's easy to find, but that's a total lie). Luckily, we found our way out and back to town. The Pisac ruins were absolutely gorgeous and I highly recommend visiting it if you're ever on your way to Cusco.