This trip will go down as one of the highlights of my life. I got to see Machu Picchu, which was the #1 travel item on my bucket list. Honestly, this trip was ALL about seeing this world wonder. But I was fortunate enough to have some other crazy cool experiences on this trip.
Huacachina: an oasis just outside of the city of Ica in the Peruvian desert. We came here after a flight over the Nazca lines (sadly, these were underwhelming). Not only did we get to go dunebuggying and sandboarding in the dunes around here, we got to enjoy some time within the oasis itself. UHMAZING! Do yourself a favor and see this place with your own eyes.
Aguas Calientes: This is the tiny town closest to Machu Pichhu. Since we didn't have time to do the Inca trail, we stayed here for a night before seeing MP. A bunch of travelers told me this place was overrated. I disagree. No cars are allowed here, and it's awesome walking up the narrow, store-lined streets. Highly recommended.
Sacred Valley: I arranged for a guide to pick us up from our flight into Cusco and take us to Ollantaytambo so we could catch a train to Aguas Calientes. On the way, we got to drive through the Sacred Valley. Have you ever been in a place so beautiful, you wanted to prance around and sing? Well, this is what happened to me here. It was incredible to see the snow-capped Andes Mountains behind all these vast fields. And It was humbling to see the sheep-herders and farmers living simple lives (kinda makes me feel weird about being obsessed over my phone). We stopped at Moray (picture below) which was a perfect build-up to Machu Picchu.
I wish I could have spent more time in this amazing country because there's so much I didn't see. However, seeing Machu Picchu firsthand... you can't describe it.
And if you don't believe me, then watch the episode of No Reservations in which Anthony Bourdain goes to Peru. Nuff said.
Aguas Calientes: This is the tiny town closest to Machu Pichhu. Since we didn't have time to do the Inca trail, we stayed here for a night before seeing MP. A bunch of travelers told me this place was overrated. I disagree. No cars are allowed here, and it's awesome walking up the narrow, store-lined streets. Highly recommended.
Sacred Valley: I arranged for a guide to pick us up from our flight into Cusco and take us to Ollantaytambo so we could catch a train to Aguas Calientes. On the way, we got to drive through the Sacred Valley. Have you ever been in a place so beautiful, you wanted to prance around and sing? Well, this is what happened to me here. It was incredible to see the snow-capped Andes Mountains behind all these vast fields. And It was humbling to see the sheep-herders and farmers living simple lives (kinda makes me feel weird about being obsessed over my phone). We stopped at Moray (picture below) which was a perfect build-up to Machu Picchu.
And if you don't believe me, then watch the episode of No Reservations in which Anthony Bourdain goes to Peru. Nuff said.
