Archive for the ‘Social Event’ Category

Peru – Day 11 – Machu Picchu

Sunday, December 21st, 2014

Intrepid Travel Group at Machu Picchu
Our Intrepid Tour Group at Machu Picchu
In Front: Jeannie, Laura, and Larisse
In Back: Andrew, Chrissy, Clare, and Dennis

Freddie at the Rock Quarry
Our Guide Freddie!

Huana Picchu Panorama - close up
Huana Picchu

Smiles at the Sun Gate
Smiles at the Sun Gate

On Sunday, we woke up at 5:30am, in order to get on the first bus to Machu Picchu. It was incredibly foggy and slightly wet outside, so I wondered how the day would turn out. I was hopeful it would burn off, as we prepared for the hike around the ruins.

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Peru – Day 10 – Sacred Valley, Ollyantaytambo and Aguas Calientes

Saturday, December 20th, 2014

Ollyantaytambo Hikers shop
Ollyantaytambo Hikers Shop

Peru Rail Selfie - Destination Aguas Calientes
Riding on Peru Rail

Aguas Calientes - Craft Market
Aguas Calientes Craft Market – Fun place to shop!

The Spa at Aguas Calientes
Aguas Calientes – The Spa!

On Saturday, we took a bus to Ollyantaytambo and then we road on the Peru Rail to Aguas Calientes. We visited the hot springs, went shopping, and had a nice relaxing evening.

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Peru – Day 9 – Horseback Riding at Saqsaywamen, Qoricancha, and Paddy’s Irish Pub

Friday, December 19th, 2014

Saqsaywamen Sign
Horseback Riding Near the Saqsaywamen site.

Horse Ranch Above Cusco
The Horse Ranch Above Cusco

Horse Riding Near Cusco
Climbergirl Riding the Slowest Horse on the Planet

Saqsaywamen Panorama
Pretty Views!

Intrepid Horse Riders and Peruvian Family
Group Picture. We met a Peruvian family while we were up there, so we included them in our picture.

Excited to Explore Qoricancha
Super nice Selfie at Qoricancha

On Friday, we decided to do a half day of horseback riding and hiking, up in the foothills above Cusco. It was near the Saqsaywamen cultural site, so we got the opportunity of walking around this ancient Inca sacred place. While on the horses, we had 2 horse handlers accompanying us, but they did not guide us around the ruins. So, it was up to us to explore while on foot!

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Peru – Day 8 – Moray, Chinchero, and Inca Musuem

Thursday, December 18th, 2014

Moray Agriculture Panorama
Moray Agriculture Panorama

Outside Chinchero Walls
Outside the Chinchero Walls

Chinchero Panorama
Chinchero Panorama!

On Thursday, we said goodbye to the folks heading to hike on the Inca Trail and then headed back to Cusco. On the way back, we stopped at the important Inca Agriculture center at Moray and then visited the ancient Inca settlement at Chinchero.

El Paisa - A Sampler of the Sea
When we got back to Cusco, we went out to eat at an amazing locals restaurant, El Paisa , where we enjoyed live music and ate until we were completely stuffed!

Inca Museum Courtyard
Clare, Dennis, Laura, and Larisse at the Inca Musuem
Then, we walked off the huge lunch with a visit to the Inca Musuem.

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Peru – Day 7 – Corcoro Village Cultural Experience

Wednesday, December 17th, 2014

Laguna Piuray
Laguna Piuray, on our way to Corcoro

Corcoro
Corcoro Ladies

Wool Cleaning Demonstration
Process of Cleaning and Dying Wool

On Wednesday, Dennis and I joined the rest of our Intrepid Travel group on a cultural visit to a small mountain village called Corcoro. Dennis was still feeling under the weather, so I was hoping today’s activities weren’t too taxing.

On the schedule, was a trip to the mountain village where we would learn traditional field plowing methods, the art of weaving, experience a traditional country lunch, play some soccer, learn how to make Chicha (fermented corn drink!), and end the day in Ollyantaytambo.

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