Travel Photos and Travel

I took a two and half week trip to Peru, which was my introduction to South American travel. I had always wanted to see Machu Picchu in particular, as well as experience South American culture. I thought a shorter trip would work out well to start me off. My Peru trip took me to Lima, Paracas, Nazca, Arequipa, Puno, Cuzco, and Machu Picchu. My tour of Peru also included the Sacred Valley, Colca Valley, and the highest navigable lake in the world – Lake Titicaca.

While in Arequipa, I was able to tour the unique White City as it was built from the white sillar rock that spewed out of the Volcano Misti. While touring the districts of Yanahuara and Chilina, I was able to experience magnificent views of the Misti Volcano. I drove from Arequipa to the Colca Valley, where I was able to climb the Pampa Canahuas at the Aguada Blanca National Reserve which is protected habitat for a llama relative, the vicunas. While in Colca Valley, I enjoyed being able to see the towns which appeared to be untouched by time as each town had passed on the traditions to the younger generations and maintained their original appearances.

I thoroughly enjoyed my motorboat ride on Lake Titicaca to visit the floating islands of the Uros – a water tribe. Also while on Lake Titicaca, I visited the natural island of Taquile which is inhabited by quechua-speaking natives who have developed, through generations, both an efficient and original social system and a fine hand weaving technique. Being this high up actually affected me, as I felt light-headed for the first couple of days.

On the way to the Cusco area, I was able to visit the Pre-Columbian complex of Pucara dating back to 200BC and which consisted of six, stepped, stone pyramids. The temple of Raqchi was surrounded by warehouses and other buildings that served as dwellings for priests, servants, and farmers. There is also the largest and most spectacular temple there which was built during the splendor of the Inca Empire.

Finally, the sacred valley of the Incas and Manchu Picchu made up the highlights of my trip. The valley consists of several picturesque towns and many archeological sites, including the Inca Fortress which guarded the entry of the valley and protected it from possible invasion. I had the opportunity to walk through the nearby town, which the design and foundation of the buildings dated from the Inca era. The Lost City of the Incas was truly a majestic site, as it is situated over a mountain ridge surrounded by tropical forest. My favorite part though, was my early morning hike up Huayna Picchu peak which provided me with a fantastic view overlooking Machu Picchu.

My favorite part of my Peru experience ended up being the opportunity of viewing and interacting with many different small villages and communities that had managed to retain their unique culture and heritage throughout time. It was amazing seeing all the different tribes who were so distinct from one another and who lived so close to another.