Create your Trip Journal [click here]I arrive alone to take in the sights and sounds of Lima, Peru. I immediately see the value of the dollar as I arrange for a Mercedes Town Car to take me into town for only $20! I stay in the Miraflores neighborhood, which has a reputation for being touristy-friendly, and begin my adventure.
I met my travel group and we board a morning flight to Cusco. I was advised to get a window seat on the plane and that tip was definitely worth it! Upon arrival, you immediately notice the altitude difference. As you journey into town, you are welcomed by the hospitable locals.
I am not much of a hiker so I opted to take the train into the small town of Aguas Calientes, which sits at the base of Machu Picchu. The train ride was fun and let me see the beautiful sites from the comfort and warmth of a train car.
I immediately fell in love with Aguas Calientes. The town is comprised of two main (and very steep!) streets lined with hostels, hotels, restaurants, and shops. Since I arrived midday, I opted to explore the town on foot. My favorite place was the town square. It is a great place to read a book or do some people watching.
Aguas calientes was also the first place where I tried lomo saltado, a Peruvian specialty!
Staying overnight in Aguas Calientes has many benefits, one of which is the ability to be one of the first people at the site each morning! After ascending the the road to Machu Picchu by van, we entered the park and were awestruck by the beauty of Machu Picchu. We were able to snap pictures without people in them and enjoy the serenity of the Andes.
We ventured back to Cusco via train and had time to explore the town. One of my favorite places in town was the main square. It is surrounded by little restaurants, cafes, and shops and many of the cafes are located on the second floor of the building. It was so peaceful to grab a drink and sit on a balcony overlooking the town.
The shopping deals in Cusco are great!! I bought lots of souvenirs for next to nothing.
Today, we got on another plane bound for Puerto Maldonado, Peru. This place is located in the south of the country and offers an exciting adventure for all. Once we landed, we drove another hour to the port, and then headed upstream to arrive at the Libertador Tambopata Eco-Lodge.
The staff was very friendly and our bungalows were an awesome experience. There is no electricity so, once nighttime comes, you need flashlights and candles! One of my favorite activities was our night walk through the jungle. Our guide spotted monkeys, snakes, and spiders!
After waking up early, we went on a daytime hike and then got into canoes that our guides paddled around a small lagoon. Once again, the serenity of this place was relaxing and awe-inspiring. I wanted to stay here forever but my time here was coming to an end and it was time to head back to Lima.
After an excellent week in Peru, it was time to go home. Most US-bound flighs out of Peru leave around midnight so it can be useful to get a hotel for this last night so you have somewhere to store luggage, rest, and shower before the journey home. I definitely loved this trip and can't wait to go back in the future!
