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Machu Picchu Monday

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It was an exciting weekend, as we finally met with our friends to arrange for our Machu Picchu trip later this year.

There will be six of us going, so there are the many logistical concerns, and timing and coordination is critical. Luckily, our friend Pen was a former travel agent full time, and can not only organize it much better than I; she also finds good little discounts. Sometimes it means the difference between a so-so hotel, and something much more comfortable for just a few dollars more.

We stole an itinerary from someone else (here,) and adapted it to what we already know. It’s not that we’re experts or anything, but really there are only so many places that you can go to in the Sacred Valley. It ends up being 15 days start to finish, and gets a pretty darn good sampling of Peru.

DAY 1: SACRED VALLEY (CCOCHAHUASI & PISAC)

DAY 2: SACRED VALLEY (MARAS, MORAY, & OLLANTAYTAMBO)

DAY 3: MACHU PICCHU

DAY 4: CUSCO

DAY 5: CUSCO RUINS (SACSAYHUAMAN & PUKA PUKARA)

DAY 6: LAKE TITICACA TRAIN

DAY 7: LAKE TITICACA

DAY 8: PUNO –> LIMA

DAY 9: LIMA

Source: Detailed Itinerary for 9 Days in Peru | Cusco, Lake Titicaca, and Lima | A Happy Passport

The extra time will be spent in Tarapoto & extra explorations around Lima. I’d be excited, but my head hurts from all the planning work… It sure will be worth it though!

In the Plaza de Armas Lima, Peru

Machu Picchu Monday

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The wedding was delightful. So nice to see young people in love, and having a good time. Always special to spend time with family back east too!

It’s Monday, and time Machu Picchu:

Ancient steps, Machu Picchu, Peru

Machu Picchu Monday

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The excitement is growing as we’re finally actually doing some serious planning for our Peru trip in the fall. We have our tickets to Lima, and did surprisingly well on Copa Airlines. We like them because it’s a relatively quick flight, and coming back it’s a daytime flight (arriving Vegas at night.)

Leaving however, is a different story. The flight departs at 01:33 AM, so it’s a late night at the airport, and a red-eye flight. It always leaves me a little dazed, but  it ends up going fast as we sleep through the Las Vegas to Panama City part (about 6 hours,) and then drift in and out from Panama to Lima.

We arrive at 3:17 PM local Lima time, and will slouch over to the hotel, and grimly try and stay awake until as late as possible. Tentatively, our friends should be arriving at midnight. We don’t have their details yet…

Machu Picchu

 

Machu Picchu Monday

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Yikes, this one got in late. Busy…yadda yadda yadda…

This is what I need…

Lovely views at Machu Picchu, Peru

 

Machu Picchu Monday

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It’s a glorious day in Northwest Arizona. The temperatures are creeping upwards, but it’s still very nice, and the nights are cool.

Meanwhile in the tropics of the Sacred Valley:

Llamas at Machu Picchu, Peru

Machu Picchu Monday

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I promised in an earlier post to update the train schedules etc. to Machu Picchu. Well, I’m happy to report that I’ve begun to review the whole trip again as we have friends that want to go, and I should be posting something soon. (Just as soon as I finish my taxes!)

Meanwhile, here’s a taste:

Lovely views at Machu Picchu, Peru

Machu Picchu Monday

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Monday, Monday…

Too much to do, and too little time to do it. Here’s a shot from Cuzco, in the Sacred Valley. Everyone comes through Cuzco on their way to Machu Picchu.

Have a great week…drink more coffee!

Another Cuzco view

 

Machu Picchu Monday

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Monday after a St. Patrick’s Day weekend. We were busy, roasting and bringing coffee wherever we went. The weather was gorgeous finally. I’m actually getting a tan already!

Our garden has lettuce, cilantro, asparagus, and a surviving tomato plant from last year that is starting to return to life.

The desert is coming to life, and Spring is coming…

Meanwhile, our thoughts return to Peru, and Machu Picchu:

Terraces at Machu Picchu

 

Machu Picchu Monday

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We’re planning a trip again to Machu Picchu again this year with long time friends who have never been there. It will give me an opportunity to check train prices etc. I’ll be sure to update everyone here.

Meanwhile…

Another view of the ruins at Saqsaywaman in the Sacred Valley below Cuzco: