Hola!
We returned from a week in Peru early this morning and it was muy fantastico! We had a really great time and experienced so much in a short period of time. We visited Lima, Yucay, Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Cusco, and Machu Picchu. The highlight of the trip was Machu Picchu, but the other places weren't far behind.
I took the above photo in Cusco. These children were dressed up with their llamas so their photos could be taken for money.
Cathedral in the Plaza
de Armas in
Cusco right before it started to rain. The plaza was extraordinarily beautiful with so much history and spectacular architecture.
Policia on the side of the street in Lima.
Machu Picchu!!
This was an experience of a lifetime! There are no words to describe the beauty and magic of
Machu Picchu. We had a guide for the first part of the day who gave us the history of the Inca site and then we spent the afternoon taking it all in on our own. The late afternoon is the best time to go because most of the people clear out and it is so peaceful.
Homeless dogs in
Yucay.
There were so many dogs on the streets in Peru, which made me so sad. I wanted to take them all home with me. I'm in the process of researching animal rescue groups in the area so I can donate. So far, the
Grupo Caridad seems to be one of the most prominent animal rescue groups in Peru. They have done a lot to help the problem, but there is still a very long way to go. If anyone has any info on rescue groups in Peru, please share!
There were llamas all over Peru, but it was the funniest to see them in
Machu Picchu walking among all of the tourists. Here, in this photo, I shared the trail with three llamas. So cute!
I found these three friends (baby goat, cat, and dog) in a doorway in
Ollantaytambo. This was the only cat I saw the whole time we were in Peru.
The shopping was fantastic in Peru and the
Pisac Market (above) was my favorite spot. I came home with many treasures - bracelets, scarves, change purses, and belts. You are supposed to bargain on everything, so that part was a lot of fun too.
The Sonesta Posada del Inca Hotel in Yucay was so fabulous! It was my favorite hotel of the trip by far, and probably one of my favorites ever. It is a former 18
th century colonial-style
monastery with the most beautiful architecture and lush grounds.
Each room had a heavy wooden door with a latch lock.
Our room key - metal key on a ring with an engraved room number. Fabulous!
Our room.
The view from our room.
Bulls walking down the street in front of the
Sonesta Posada.
At the hotel bar.
A few of the kids were intrigued by my camera, which I wore around my neck most of the time. This little girl in
Ollantaytambo wanted me to take her picture so she could see herself on the screen. She also had me take a picture of her mom and her guinea pigs. She was so excited and happy to see the photos each time.
This was Natalie from
Machu Picchu, who also loved my camera. She had me take her photo with her llamas. Then she insisted on taking my camera and snapping my photo with the llamas and my hubby's. I was nervous to hand over my camera, but she put the strap around her neck right away and learned how to focus and review the photos after only a few attempts. So funny!
Overall, Peru was a memorable and wonderful experience!
After van Dongen, Vogue, 1959
