MACHU PICCHU……….Everything I Expected and MORE!

This world heritage site is truly amazing. It was an Incan citadel built in the 15th century. The settlers literally cut the top off a mountain and built a fully functioning city with the dry stone/granite rocks. Machu Picchu sits at 7,972 feet.

The Incan’s had homes, schools and plenty of storage—smack in the middle of a tropical forest. They grew corn and other foodstuff. It is believed to have been abandoned because the reigning ruler need all able bodied men for the wars he was fighting.

I did fine physically with the altitude as it is about 4000 feel lower than Cusco and the altitude pills were working. I also got to spend a number of days in Cusco where my major daily activity was taking a walk out to a late lunch.

Pisco Sour and Peru Flag with a side of shrimp ceviche

We had to take a train to Agues Calientes where we stayed overnight before taking a bus directly to Machu Picchu’s front door.

I got to soak in the local hot springs and enjoy a Guinea Pig dinner. It was tasty and nice and crisp. You can see his two little front teeth.

Even though I was acclimating to the heights and the limited Oxygen, I decided I could not go on to Bolivia. The high plains and cities we would be exploring are 1500 feet higher that Cusco.

So………I took three planes and flew to visit Santa Marta, Columbia. I’m staying with John and his girlfriend Nataly in their lovely apartment.

Santa Marta is a popular beach town with great restaurants. The vendors on the beach will fulfil your food and drink desires, give you a massage and braid your hair if you have any. They also sell fresh fish and crabs that were caught that morning. It is on the Caribbean Sea and the water is oh soooooo warm!

I will be here until October 31st when I’ll take a night flight to Buenos Aires in Argentina. I will meet up with my two fellow travellers for the last three weeks of the trip.

I have been really lazy and spending my days reading on the beach. The evenings I cook yummy food and do my best to beat John and Nataly at Farkle.

See you in Argentina!! Happy Halloween!!!