Precariously nestled into a steep cliff the Maras Salt Mines of the Sacred Valley are absolutely incredible. The Boleto Turístico does not cover entrance, but it is well worth the small fee ($2) to see the beauty of this place. The salt evaporation ponds have been in use since before […]
South America
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Variety is the spice of life, and we may have the ancient scientists who worked at Moray (meaning ‘dried corn’) to thank for that. Another spot on the Sacred Valley trail, these peculiar ruins are shrouded in questions and mild mystery. The agricultural terraces look like a Roman amphitheater, the […]
The first stop on our Sacred Valley day trip was the sleepy Andean town of Chinchero about 40 minutes away from Cusco, legend has it that the rainbow was born here. The main attractions here are a market (said to be more authentic, though smaller, than Pisac) and ruins. Free […]
In between Cusco and Machu Picchu is the Sacred Valley, a magical mountainous land. I believe that all three places in the area build on layers of understanding and each day was a treasured piece of my trip in Peru. You can’t just walk to the Sacred Valley, it takes […]
While Machu Picchu is the best known of Peruvian ruins, Cusco is filled with a plethora of worthy sites to visit – perfect for days spent acclimating in the city. You can purchase your Boleto Turístico (tourist ticket) as you enter a set of ruins. There are multiple ticket types […]
Up the hill and quiet, that’s just where I like to be. Our home base in Cusco was the San Blas neighborhood away from the bars and Starbucks below. Waking up to the view from my AIRBNB made each morning magical. Evening sunsets were pretty spectacular too. Here the buildings […]
The Incas are touted for their masonry and many of the attractions in Peru are based upon the ruins from the empire that were strong enough to remain today. One really impressive aspect of their architecture is the fact that it contains no mortar. Not far from the main historic […]
Experience local life, culture, and delicious food at the San Pedro Mercado [Cascaparo, Cusco, Peru]. The market is very authentic, while there were certainly some tourists around it isn’t geared towards tourists at all, this is daily life in Cusco. As you’re walking around be aware of your surroundings (like […]
The heart of Cusco can be found in its historic main square filled with grand architecture. Plaza de Armas is a sight you must see, with its beautiful ancient churches, flowerbeds, and intricate woodwork on windows and balconies. The statues and fountains are epic, there are plenty more to admire if […]
If you’re going to Peru, you’re going to Machu Picchu. If you’re going to Machu Picchu, you’re going to Cusco. Cusco is where you will get your transportation to Machu Picchu, but Cusco is much more than just a jump off city! It was the capital of the Inca Empire […]
This winter I had the opportunity to visit Peru. Before I experienced the country, I had a few images in my head. Of course Machu Picchu, a wonder of the ancient world, was at the top of the list. Then there were Incas, textiles, llamas, the Andes Mountains, and ceviche. I […]