Peru

Peru

We visited Peru which was the first time we'd been to South America. After flying into the capital Lima, we then flew to Cuzco which was the capital of the Inca empire prior to the Spanish taking over. From there we traveled by taxi and train to magnificent Machu Picchu and then back to Cuzco. And finally back in Lima to finish the visit.

After a quick stoppover in the capital Lima, we flew on to Cuzco and then took a taxi deeper into the mountains to the little town of Ollantaytambo. Here where our hotel was in this authentic old Inca town.

Straight out of National Geographic in the old Inca town of Ollantaytambo which is on the way to Machu Picchu

The town has a massive citadel where teh Inca made a brave stand against the Spanish.

From Ollantaytambo, you take a train deeper into the mountains to get to Agua Calientes which is the nearest town to Machu Picchu. In route, I grabbed this tasty giant kernel corn cob with melted cheese from a street vendor.

We then took a short bus ride to get up to Machu Picchu which sits on top of a mountain. Then we climbed even higher on a hike to the summit of Huayna Picchu which was very steep!

Part 2, straight out of National Geographic. The incomparable mountain city of Machu Picchu! It lives up to the hype of being one of the world's wonders.

The next day we visited again. This time climbing 2000ft up to Montana Picchu which is a high peak overlooking the Andes which is very scenic. Rain moved in right when we got to the summit so we missed out on som of the views.

Mortarless hand-chisled Inca perfection. Multiplied by millions of tons across the empire. And apparently no lasers or aliens were involved.

Then we took the train back to Cuzco where we spent 3 days exporing this fascinating city. Here Sharon is friends with the Andean locals.

A fine way to intimidate your enemies. Have citadel walls made out of gigantic perfectly hewn and fit boulders all moved with only human power. Sacsayhuaman above Cuzco.

So the Inca built many citadels. This one perched above their capital Cuzco.

Mercado Central in Cuzco. Walmart could learn from this mall on roids.

The local diet is rich in potatos of which there are many varieties.

We survived the warzone that was Ano Nuevo in Plaza de Armas. Definitely a new record for close calls and concussion blasts from all the haphazard fireworks. It was a total blast.

Then it was back to the Lima. Smack dab in the middle of Lima's 7 million citizens is a 1500 year old pyramid

Local drink chitcha morada which is made from purple corn.

Circuito Magico del Aqua in Lima, a park full of awesome fountains.