Cusco & Machu Picchu
After a quick flight from Lima we arrive in Cusco, Peru (altitude 11,000 feet... or 3,000 feet higher elevation than Machu Picchu). We took our time over the next few hours getting acclimated to the elevation while exploring this beautiful city settled amongst the mountains...
We grabbed a bite to eat at an awesome local recommendation (thanks Zoe!)...
Alpaca Steak - grilled tenderloin with a quinoa and vegetable andean style tart.
Humita - maiz meal, yellow chili and cheese wrapped in a corn husk steamed and served with a creole salad.
Andean Causita - mashed potatoes layered with smoked andean trout and avocado.
and settled into our new home, located in the artsy neighborhood of San Blas...
We spent the next few days roaming Cusco...
Speaking of friends, Sean has a few in Cusco. Zoe and the kids were spending Peru's summer break in Tower Lakes, but we were super lucky to connect with her husband Rene who returned to Cusco early!
When Rene is not busting a move on the dance floor in TL at a Gillette Christmas party he is planning on where he can bust a move on a dance floor in Cusco! "Mr. Fun", as Zoe calls him, was about to show us the town...
First stop was La Cusqueñita, the restaurant represents and displays Cuzco’s culture in dance, style, and food. The portions were huge, food was amazing, and so were the drinks... enormous glasses of chicha - a fermented or non-fermented beverage usually derived from maize or fruit...
Round 2 with Rene... happy hour, jenga, and a classic rock band!
Oh... and a little late night dance session at Ukukus, one of Rene's faves! We think we found our wedding band...
After an amazing and rowdy few days in Cusco we packed our bags and continued on to our next adventure, Machu Picchu!
Took an hour and a half ride to Ollantaytambo, then hopped on the PeruRail train to the town of Aguas Calientes, our home base for Machu Picchu...
5am wake up call to catch the first bus up the mountain to Machu Picchu. The view at the top was incredible, wahoo!!!
After soaking in the sights of Machu Picchu we were ready to tackle the steep hike up to Wayna Picchu, which towers close to 1,200ft above Machu!
Some of our favorite shots from this surreal day exploring Machu Picchu, Wayna Picchu, and the Inca ruins...
Prepping for our next adventure... Chile and our 4 day hike through Patagonia!!!
All looks amazing! 1 month in!!!!
I’m smiling!!!
Fabulous! So much to take in, a whole other world and cultures. Thanks so much for sharing your journey, amazing!
Sean, you can now pull off a headband! Love it! And Laura, your back muscles are killer. Oh, and Machu Picchu doesn’t look bad either. xoxo, seester
xxxo!!! His hair is growing rapidly.. hoping he will have a man bun soon! haha
This was so absolutely incredible! Every picture amazing! Love vicariously enjoying your journey!
You both look so beautiful and happy! Incredible pictures!
Thank You for these fabulous photos. Very inspirational.
Thanks Augie! 🙂 xxo
Absolutely amazing, love the pictures! !!! XOXO
You guys are so awesome looks like such an amazing time! Be safe and keep taking good care of eachother!