The Machu Picchu - Day 5

We purchased our Machu Picchu (MP) tickets on day 2 in Cuzco at the Cultural Ministry. Friends had recommended we also do Wayna Picchu (WP). Only 200 people were allowed to climb WP at one time during only two time slots: 7 and 10AM. We were very lucky to get the 7AM slot since someone had cancelled theirs. The entrance fee to both MP and WP costed 150 soles (55 USD).

Another early morning for us. We were in queue for bus to MP at 5AM to catch the first bus at 5:30AM. The line was already quite long and people was holding spots for their friends. We were a bit concerned that we were going to miss the sunrise.

We didn't make it on the first bus. At 5:45 we started the 25 minute windy drive up to MP.




Around 6AM we knew we had missed the sunrise. But we soon forgot the disappointment when MP came into our sight. I kept thinking what Bingham was thinking when he saw this sight. I have been to Angkor Wat of Cambodia, Great Wall of China, underground churches of lalibela, pyramids and temples of Egypt, MP was different. Unlike most other ancient ruins, the first sight of the site was up or at eye level. The first sight MP were from above, offering a complete panoramic view of the ruins. It made me want to get a closer look.


Nestled amongst the sacred mountains and hills, MP was a massive man made collection of structures that was remote and so hidden for so long that still posses a lot of mystery and intrigue. We were really glad we got there early enough to not have to fight with crowd too much to get good wide shots. Pictures of the actual grounds of the ruins we saved until after we climb WP.











We rushed on the other side of MP to the entrance of WP. The entrance line up moved very slowly. Passports had to be checked and a registration book had to be signed. I was short on water. One of the side effects of altitude sickness pill was I was always thirty. But not to worry, the entrance desk people was happy to sell you a bottle of water for 5 soles (1.7 USD). WP was the hill to the right of MP and served as a dramatic backdrop for MP. It took us approximately one hour to hike to the peak. I would say it wasn't as hard as the Grouse Grind in Vancouver since the agony was shorter. The top 1/4 of the ascend was very narrow and steep. I am afraid of heights and didn't dare to look down. The rest was not very steep especially compared to Grouse Grind. At the top, it was a bit crowded. So we descend a little and settled in on one of the terraces for a quick snack time to regain some energy for the descend. Food was actually not allowed onto the premise, but most people did sneak them in anyways.










The descend really did a number on our legs. I bet money on it that tomorrow I am going to feel it. We took it easy and roamed around the grounds of MP for several hours before deciding to head out and get some in our stomaches.

On the way out of MP, I had notice backpack check in was offered for 3 soles I believe. I wish I had known beforehand because I thought whatever I brought I had to carry it up to WP with me. So I minimized my pack as much as possible including sacrificing a change of clothes for the train ride back to Cuzco.

Smelling fantastic, we took the 4:43PM Expedition class train back to Cuzco. We had thought since it would dark with nothing to see there would be no point in booking the more expensive Vistadome train. To our surprise, the Expedition train had windowed ceiling as well. We wondered about the difference. It turned out the difference was primarily in the food. In Vistadome, we were served nicely plated fresh fruit and pastry with proper cutlery and place settings. In Expedition, we were served bean and peanut snacks in a paper bag. The other differences were very minor.



It was interesting that out of thousands of passengers that take the train each day. We ended up sitting across from the same guys who we sat across from going to AC . Three amigos from Atlanta and Tampa. We thought we were going to catch some Zs, but ended up chatting with them the entire 4 hour train ride. Americans are interesting people that is for sure. The conversation from health care reform to bunny ranch for horses and from pharmaceutical lobbyists to Solid Gold dancers. To Canadians, whether we like to admitted or not, they are our endearing gun toting next door neighbour.

We bid good bye to our new friends and laughed about the conversations we had and the great weather we had in our car ride back to Cuzco. After check in to our hotel, we realized how long of a day had. But what an awesome day it was!



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Location:Machu Picchu, Peru

C'mon Canada (Sacred Valley) - Day 3

We arranged the Sacred Valley day tour on day one. The tour was quite cheap, only 20 soles (7 USD) which included transportation and an English speaking guide.

Before hopping on a coach bus, we had to exchange some more soles. There were many foreign exchange shops around Plaza de Armas. We quickly picked one since we only had 5 minutes before the bus departed. But sometimes rushing is not a good idea. As we got on the bus, one of our travel buddies found out the FX shop had shorted her about
30 soles (12 USD). So always count your money twice!

Our first stop was a small market in the town of Pisac. They specialized in clay goods. The stop was short, only 15 minutes before the tour guide herded us back on the bus "C'mon, Canada."





Along the way, our tour guide explained the mountain range were considered sacred to the Inca people. The river that ran through these mountain ranges was the sacred river. Hence the name of this region: sacred valley.

The second stop was another market, silver market. We only had 20 minutes in this market. But you can't drop a kid in the candy shop and expect him/her to come out in 20 minutes. I could've spent an entire day there. In an blink of an eye, we were called back to the bus "C'mon, Canada".


The next stop was the ruins of Pisac. Pisac was a town of where the farmers and architect lived. It was a middle class village.



The Inca people buried their dead along the side of the mountain cliff. I wonder how they were able to dig a hole and put the body in it along these steep mountain sides. The Inca people also believed they lived three lives. One in heaven, earth and under world. Like the Egyptians they mummified the body, but in the fetal position, so they can be born into the next life.



Our fourth stop was Ollantaytambo, the new capital of the sacred valley. On the top, there was a granite stone that was said to be the temple of the sun since it faced the exact direction of the sun rise. However, unlike the other sun temples which are round, this one was not which drew speculation that this was not the sun temple at all. The temple granite was shipped in from the other side of the mountain 7 km away. The large stone pieces were put on logs and rolled to it's finally destination. The temple was once decorated with puma carvings. But during the Spanish invasion, the heads were cut off and now only the faint silhouette of the animal was left.

(will insert picture later due to technical difficulties. Actually it was human error by my husband)

Across from the temple, was a mountain where the Incas did a lot of worshipping. Probably due to this side profile of what appeared to be an Inca god. They also built an llama shaped terrace and structure on this mountain to mimic the llama consolation in the sky. This area was considered the centre of the Inca world.





June 21 is the inca new year since it is the only day that the sun hits the inca god face. This only happens between 11 to 12. On this day, the phenomena can be view through this window below.


Our last stop was Chencharo. Much of the indigenous styled textile was produced here. Today these people still uses all natural ingredients to process and dye the llama or wool threads and then wave them into beautiful blankets and other products.




Our day ended in a lovely Peruvian sunset.



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Location:Cuzco, Peru

Horses and thunderstorm - Day 2

We slept in as much as we could. We took our time enjoying our breakfast of papaya in yogurt and scramble eggs. The breakfast discussion involved whether was legal to bring cocoa teabag back home since it was highly unlikely the actual leaf would be TSA approved.

We contemplated what to do for the day. Since we have Sacred Valley planned for tomorrow, we thought perhaps a nice horse back riding trip to see the natural side of Cuzco would be nice.

Before the horse back riding, we went to the market to pick up snack in case of an in prompt to picnic. And look what I found! Taste of home.




By noon we were set and off to the ranch. My horse was chestnut coloured with very soft hair. I really liked her. But for some reason I just couldn't remember her name! She was named after a type of llama. So I called her "Chester". Yes I know she was a girl with a saddle decorated with pink stars.







We stopped at a small hill where the Inca people would hide and ambush the Spanish. It was full of caves and tunnels.







On the top of the hill, we got a lovely view of Cuzco city.



Our second stop was the ruins of temple of the moon. There was not much left. But the stone craftsmanship of the inca culture was still very evident. As we headed back to our horses, the clouds started to roll in. A thunderstorm was coming. Within 5 minutes, the cold rain had hit us. But before we knew it, it was also over. Our clothes had pretty much dried when we returned to the ranch.







When returned to the city, we dined at one of many oven pizzerias, Chez Maggy. I highly recommended this place located just off of Plaza de Armas. The pizzas were clay oven baked and pasta was also hand made. It also had free wifi which made this iPad enthusiast very happy. But we had to end our day by getting a 7 USD (20 soles) foot massage at one of the many spas.


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Location:Cuzco, Peru

Skipped over Lima, Straight to Cusco - day 1

As per usual, we arrived approximately 1 hour before our international flight. Maybe I am getting older, but I actually felt a slight panic. At 5AM, YVR seemed unusually busy. After a smooth security screening and customs, we were in less than 40 minutes with time to grab a Timmy's treat before boarding.

English was already the second language at our stop over in SFO. Everything was done in Spanish and not all was repeated in English. Our flight landed in Lima shortly after midnight. We hired a taxi who didn't seem to be from Lima and didn't have a cell phone. After what seemed to be hours of driving around in circles, we checked into our hotel at 2AM in time for a 4 hour nap before our flight to Cuzco.




When we finally arrived in Cuzco by midday, I was so tired that all I wanted to do was dive my head into a soft pillow. But I am a tough traveller, I can't waste a beautiful day. Not too mention, I was also too excited to start exploring a new city. Besides, a cup of cocoa tea will keep me fueled.




On the way to Plaza de Armas, the city center square, cute little girls in traditional indigenous outfits holding baby sheep or llama were eager to approach us for a picture in exchange for one or two soles. This is very common. If you take a picture with them, expect to have to pay them.

The Armas square were packed with tourists and locals for a Sunday stroll. Surrounding the square, stood the La Catedral and La Compania and countless cafes and restaurants with intricately carved wooden balcony. Even Macdonald's was subtly hidden under the stone arches.

We decided to take it easy since we were still adjusting to the 3400m altitude. The slight incline would make my leg muscle ache and breathless. We ended up having lunch on a balcony and people watched for a few hours. The restaurant also had a terrace. on the way up there, we passed by the kitchen and caught our first glimpse of the Peruvian delicacy: Cuy! Aka the Guinea pig all nicely roasted and ready to be served.



After lunch was more walking very slowly around the city. When we arrived at Plaza San Francisco, there was a parade of men, women and children carrying fresh flowers and pictures of some sort of saint. We naturally became very curious and started following the crowd. turned out it was a celebration of the virgin for the children. The crowd were heading towards the temple to lay flowers. However, when we saw it turn uphill, we quit the pursuit.



We went back to the Plaza San Francisco to find locals hanging out playing carnival games and watching street performers.



We even found this guy who had a strange sense for fashion. Later we found out they were candyman and the outfit made them stood out and helped to attract business.




At this point, I was barely able to keep my eyes open, so we headed back to our hotel for a much needed 10 hour sleep.

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Location:Airports