Red-billed Tropicbird
May 21 in Ecuador ⋅ ☁️ 81 °F
The red-billed tropicbird is a tropicbird, one of three closely related species of seabird of tropical oceans. Superficially resembling a tern in appearance, it has mostly white plumage with someRead more
Frigatebird
May 21 in Ecuador ⋅ ☁️ 81 °F
Frigatebirds are large, tropical seabirds known for their long, narrow wings, deeply forked tails, and incredible aerial agility, allowing them to soar for long periods without flapping. They areRead more
Last Sunset
May 21 in Ecuador ⋅ ☁️ 81 °F
Our last night in the Galápagos gave us a beautiful sunset.
Leaving Galapagos
May 22 in Ecuador ⋅ ⛅ 81 °F
Leaving the Galapagos flying back to Guayaquil for the next segment of our trip. Time to say goodbye to our Galapagos guide, Maria in Guayaquil. She was a great guide!
Next stop, Cusco
May 23 in Peru ⋅ ⛅ 55 °F
We left Guayaquil and flew to Cusco, Peru. Cusco sits at an altitude of 11,200 feet about sea level. On our way there we flew over beautiful mountains and valleys of the Andes. The baggage for ourRead more
Lunch at Hacienda Sarapampa
May 23 in Peru ⋅ ☁️ 64 °F
On our way to our hotel in the Sacred Valley we stopped at a hacienda for lunch. This hacienda has been in the same family for three generations. Beyond an incredible lunch of locally grown food, weRead more
Moray
May 24 in Peru ⋅ ☁️ 52 °F
In the Sacred Valley is Moray, an archaeological site located near Cuzco, Peru. It is characterized by being made up of several circular platforms. Created by the Incan for crop experimentation. EachRead more
Sacred Valley
May 24 in Peru ⋅ ☁️ 59 °F
Traveling to Ollantaytambo to catch a train, we stopped at a scenic overlook to view the valley.
Roadside Hotel
May 24 in Peru ⋅ ☁️ 61 °F
Would you stay in this hotel anchored on the side of a cliff?
TravelerUm, that’s a hard NO! How do guests get to the hotel rooms? Rappel? I hope no guests are sleep walkers!!
Doug SampsonNot a great picture but if you look closely there are stairs zig-zagging back and forth to get to each unit.
Celebrations
May 24 in Peru ⋅ ☁️ 63 °F
In Ollantaytambo we walked through the narrow streets and came upon the local parade. Apparently this happens all over Peru at this time. Not sure what this was celebrating but different regions haveRead more
Train to Machu Picchu
May 24 in Peru ⋅ ☁️ 66 °F
We boarded the Perurail in Ollantaytambo for a 90 minute train to Machu Picchu. It was a nice observation train so we had good views the entire way. One car had a band playing and people were dancing.Read more
Day 1 on Machu Picchu
May 25 in Peru ⋅ ⛅ 63 °F
Loretta and Andrew enjoy the sights of this ancient Inca settlement.
Day 2 at Machu Picchu
May 26 in Peru ⋅ ⛅ 59 °F
Exploring the lower areas of the site.
Saqsaywaman
May 27 in Peru ⋅ ☁️ 48 °F
Visiting an ancient citadel created by the Incas on the northern outskirts of present day Cusco, Peru.
TravelerHow!?!?! How did they stack these so perfectly? And why … maybe as protection from something?
Doug SampsonThe stone work was incredible. No mortar was used between the stones. Amazing in how they put this together. Apparently it was a multipurpose military, religious, and administrative complex.
Llamas and Alpacas of Peru
May 27 in Peru ⋅ ⛅ 52 °F
Some of the local residents.
The narrow streets of Cusco.
May 27 in Peru ⋅ ⛅ 55 °F
Walking around Cusco exploring the narrow streets and the local neighborhood.
TravelerI usually prefer abstract art or the dreaminess of watercolor paintings than the realism of photographs for art on our walls, but this first picture is so perfect. I love everything about it: the colors, imagining the stories of the individual, the varying levels, the gorgeous wooden balcony that looks so out of place … I think I could stare at it forever! 😍😍😍😍😍
Monasteries Hotel, Cusco
May 27 in Peru ⋅ 🌙 52 °F
Our final hotel stop on the trip. It is a former monastery.
Farewell Dinner
May 27 in Peru ⋅ 🌙 46 °F
Our final dinner together with our great group of 10!
Time to head Home
May 29 in Peru ⋅ ☁️ 70 °F
Heading home, having dinner somewhere over Peru.
