Machu Picchu

From Cuzco we rode the train to Aguas Calientes.



The scenery was wonderful. This is the Urabamba River.



The Incan terracing is still visible and still in use.















Aguas Calientes is a small but very busy town. It lies in a narrow valley surrounded by magnificent mountains. This is the end of the line for the train.



Lucas and I stayed the night here and were up
early to catch the bus to Machu Picchu.











We left the valley to wind up the steep mountain to Machu Picchu.






We arrived just after dawn and were able to view
the area before too many tourists arrived




Soon the clouds began rolling in. It was breath taking.

I was very interested in the stone work.

Another view from the top of Machu Picchu.

It started to rain about 11:00 that morning but did not

dampen my enthusiasm.

It has been my lifelong dream to see Machu Picchu. I will never forget it and will always be grateful to Lucas for putting up with me and for being my guide and interpreter.

Lima and Cuczo

Lima, Peru







This is the monasterio de San Francisco. It was a Franciscan church built in 1687 and is now a museum. It has a impressive library and underground catacombs. The bone filled crypts hold an estimated 70,000 burials. Some of the bones are arranged in bizarre displays.






Lucas and I visited the park that night.

Then we were off to Cuczo, the capital city of the Incas.







It lies in a high Andean valley.

The narrow cobblestone streets make riding in a taxi an adventure.

Journey to Peru

YES! I left for Peru March 15, 2008. Arrived in Lima early Sunday morning. Lucas has been in South America since January so I took the opportunity and met him there. This is the Hotel Posada de Parque in Lima where we stayed for two nights.