Exploring Magnificent Machu Picchu, Part 3

Exploring Magnificent Machu Picchu, Part 3

When I last left you in Peru, Mr. Buzz and I were headed to the “Lost” City of the Inca, Machu Picchu.

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As I explained in, Ingenious Inca Legacy of Peru Sacred Valley, hubby took the high and I the low route. While I traveled there via the tourist-friendly train that hugs the river valley, he went vertical — hiking the Andes.

Later that afternoon, we met high above the archeological site, as Mr. Buzz entered through the Sun Gate at the end of the Inca Trail. It’s the same route and entrance the Inca used hundreds of years ago.

That lofty perch afforded stunning views of the mountains all around us, and the ruins below. By then, it was late in the day and the site was nearly empty of tourists. That’s because most visitors are day-trippers from Cusco and had trains to catch.

Since we overnighted down in the valley, we were able to stay until closing time. As the sun continued to blaze hot,  the Andes cast long shadows across Machu PIcchu. We used the elevation to take pictures from high ridges and terraces above the citadel. On our return visit, we walked among the structures for an up close look at the Inca’s amazing architectural and agricultural achievements.

Join me now, as I take you along both routes to Machu Picchu. Then we’ll explore the iconic and mystical landscape and ruins over two days.

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Ingenious Inca Legacy in Peru Sacred Valley, Part 2

Ingenious Inca Legacy in Peru Sacred Valley, Part 2

Continuing on our  adventure in Peru, we explore the natural beauty, indigenous culture, and Inca legacy of the Sacred Valley.

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Many people just take a day trip or pass through on their way from Cusco to Machu Picchu. But, as we discovered, the Sacred Valley is definitely worth a couple of days (or more).

Inca archeological sites, cultural experiences, delicious Peruvian meals, and views of the surrounding Andes abound.

Besides appreciating its Inca ruins, the Sacred Valley is also known for its natural setting, rich flora and fauna, birdwatching, and adventure tourism.

Join me as our unique, privately-guided tour continues. Come to a Peruvian feast in an indigenous community, see how families work together to collect salt from ancient pools, and climb the Inca fortress, Ollantaytambo, for breathtaking vistas of the Sacred Valley.

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Provocative Peru Trip: Touring Lima & Sacred Valley

Provocative Peru Trip: Touring Lima & Sacred Valley

We recently returned from a 19-day adventure south of the equator. Included in the Peru trip itinerary were Lima, the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu and Cusco.  A second leg of the vacation took us to a hacienda in Ecuador and on a Galapagos Islands cruise.

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Several years in the making, planning and scheduling began in earnest last January. Our nephew, Zachary, a luxury travel advisor, worked with our destination wish list, budget and schedule. He partnered with a premium travel company to put together a dream vacation.

Peru: Land of the Incas was a nine-day, small group tour that includes many unique cultural experiences, luxury accommodations and a robust itinerary. To bridge the time between our Peru tour and five-day Galapagos Island cruise, we spent time in Ecuador’s colonial capital, Quito, and Hacienda Zuleta, a working ranch.

Let’s start where the Peru trip began, in Lima, and then head into the Inca’s Sacred Valley.

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