Peru

Once more we were baaaad backpackers: the scenic train to Aguas Calientes (also known as Machu Picchu Pueblo) is the most luxury way to get to Machu Picchu but its worth every penny 😉 While travelling you can see the change in landscape and vegetation. The village of Aguas Calientes lies in a deep gorge below the ruins of Machu Picchu. Therefore, it’s a good idea to have an overnight stay for having an early access to Machu Picchu.

We got up at 5:00 am (!!!) in order to catch the bus before 6:00 am. This ancient city wasn’t discovered until the early 20^th and its actual purpose and function is still a matter of speculation. But what is known for sure: The location is one of the most spectacular we have seen on our whole trip! When we arrived at Machu Picchu there were some other people already therefore we decided to start the real hike to Machu Micchu Mountain. It’s a steep path with loooots of stairs. Hiking the 700m altitude difference took us around 1,5 hour. Arriving at the top we got rewarded with an amazing view of Machu Picchu and Wayna Picchu (the mountain in the back of Machu Picchu). But also the surrounding landscape with its snow covered mountains is breathtaking. We enjoyed the view for almost two hours 😉 Machu Picchu exceeded our expectation’s and we spend the full day exploring the ruins.

Amazing landscape on the way

Aguas Callente situated in the valley below Machu Picchu

First glimps of Machu Pichu in the morning

Climbing Machu Picchu Mountain turned out to be one hell of a staircase

View from the top (buttom center you see Machu Picchu)

The Inca bridge

A lady freaked out while Niels was climbing to the edge of the cliff - her comments made everyone laugh their asses off

Our new "friendly" friends

He tried to kiss Niels

Pretending to be friends

The night before visiting Machu Picchu some professional Jenga gaming went on!

The Sacred Valley (Valle Sagrado) is packed with Inca sites and high-altitude Andean villages. It consist of different places between Pisac and Ollantaytambo, starting about 15 km north of Cusco. Eva took a day-trip as Niels has already seen it 4 years ago.

Pisac Ruins with a great climb up through terraces and massive stone walls

On the way to Ollantaytambo

Ollantaytambo ruins are built up on a mountain with steep terraces guarding the Inca complex  

Traditional production of clothes and coloring

Hungry yet? Guinea pigs are on the menu in Peru

Peruvian version of a Lassi?

Sunset on the way back

Cusco is one of the major spots when visiting Peru, because its within day tour distance to the biggest attraction: Machu Picchu. The so called “lost city” of the Incas. The city is on an altitude of around 3.200m. But Cusco has more to offer than only being a stop over. It was once the Inca empires capital, has beautiful colonial buildings, archaeological sits, massive Inca-built walls on steep and narrow cobblestone streets, plazas and great restaurants. Moreover, we found a massage salon called Ajna. Yarit the owner is half the size of Eva but holy sh** she is strong 😉

Plaza de Armas (next 4 pics)

Balcones Coloniales
Panorama view of Cusco

Inca-built walls on steep and narrow cobblestone streets

Further impressions of Cusco and surrounding
Our great Dragon Fly Hostel

Visiting the Chocolate Museum and having an absolute chocolate overkill