![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/66f31e_0206bb868ab95c78a1c86f8cee6ed541.jpg/v1/fill/w_288,h_288,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/66f31e_0206bb868ab95c78a1c86f8cee6ed541.jpg)
Jacaranda Journey
![Blue Jacaranda.I05.watermarked.2k.png](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/66f31e_ab47434d6c7246008cc95c87d9c85855~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_152,h_152,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/Blue%20Jacaranda_I05_watermarked_2k.png)
![Historic Lima](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/66f31e_f84dde510c0d46b0b74a8b36f62e9afd.jpg/v1/fill/w_147,h_75,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/66f31e_f84dde510c0d46b0b74a8b36f62e9afd.jpg)
Plaza de Armas
![Historic Lima](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/66f31e_4017e3131be94e24bd2ae27ccbb916d3.jpg/v1/fill/w_147,h_110,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/66f31e_4017e3131be94e24bd2ae27ccbb916d3.jpg)
Colonial building on the Plaza de Armas
![Central Lima Traffic](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/66f31e_777ede8dc2d34a6a9ca61386b25a370a.jpg/v1/fill/w_147,h_196,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/66f31e_777ede8dc2d34a6a9ca61386b25a370a.jpg)
Terrible traffic and congested streets
![Miraflores, Lima](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/66f31e_1a49c58532fb48148531caed20d6c158.jpg/v1/fill/w_147,h_96,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/66f31e_1a49c58532fb48148531caed20d6c158.jpg)
Amor Park - Park of the Lovers - along the malecon in Miraflores
![Barranco District, Lima](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/66f31e_527db7a6606547fc9653be1d3698356d.jpg/v1/fill/w_147,h_110,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/66f31e_527db7a6606547fc9653be1d3698356d.jpg)
One of the landmarks seen on our bike ride-- a church damaged in the war between Peru and Chile - left as is as a memorial to the conflict
![Barranco District, Lima](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/66f31e_d2edb261f6c74b918aba0242f62eefc9.jpg/v1/fill/w_147,h_122,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/66f31e_d2edb261f6c74b918aba0242f62eefc9.jpg)
Peruvian crafts displayed in Mari Solari's artisan shop/ home/museum (Artesanias Las Pallas)
![511 Lima Hostel, Miraflores, Lima](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/66f31e_774bfbccebf44635936283c530134fbd.jpg/v1/fill/w_147,h_196,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/66f31e_774bfbccebf44635936283c530134fbd.jpg)
Joe, Evan, and David in front of our wonderful hostel in Lima
![Historic Lima](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/66f31e_2ad60803babe43c9803b4b497d712369.jpg/v1/fill/w_147,h_110,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/66f31e_2ad60803babe43c9803b4b497d712369.jpg)
The amazing colonial architecture of historic Lima
![Museo Larco, Lima](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/66f31e_66ad2951e5874d7f9170fa2fc56283d0.jpg/v1/fill/w_147,h_193,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/66f31e_66ad2951e5874d7f9170fa2fc56283d0.jpg)
More Incan Bling (Moche Epoch)
![Excellent food in Lima](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/66f31e_cc25ed35464845f48e4951d87fea8517.jpg/v1/fill/w_147,h_110,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/66f31e_cc25ed35464845f48e4951d87fea8517.jpg)
Lima is the gastronomic capital of South America. Our Goodbye Dinner at Danica Restaurant with the owners of 511 Lima Hostel (Humberto, Gonzalo) and Gonzalo's girlfriend Anunziata
![Cuzco](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/66f31e_a87de61e8147428e98476cb29db469a2.jpg/v1/fill/w_147,h_196,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/66f31e_a87de61e8147428e98476cb29db469a2.jpg)
Cathedral on the Plaza de Armas
![Cuzco](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/66f31e_6a65946372904869be9dae1830b53d32.jpg/v1/fill/w_147,h_101,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/66f31e_6a65946372904869be9dae1830b53d32.jpg)
Cathedral on the Plaza de Armas with statue of Incan leader
![Cuzco](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/66f31e_335eb2aa94344642bfa5071cc25cbad6.jpg/v1/fill/w_147,h_110,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/66f31e_335eb2aa94344642bfa5071cc25cbad6.jpg)
Typical street. The rainbow flag is not the symbol of gay pride like in the U.S. - it represents the Incan nation
![Cuzco](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/66f31e_bbec3ec1ea8c4997bcee8ac72b1db7da.jpg/v1/fill/w_147,h_191,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/66f31e_bbec3ec1ea8c4997bcee8ac72b1db7da.jpg)
Quechua woman and llama
![Cuzco](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/66f31e_07c235d30ffa416f87c06bd499e62e25.jpg/v1/fill/w_147,h_103,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/66f31e_07c235d30ffa416f87c06bd499e62e25.jpg)
Church built on the remains of the most sacred Incan temple
![Cuzco](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/66f31e_4860c0e4febf4447831bd7ac0cd3f5ae.jpg/v1/fill/w_147,h_110,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/66f31e_4860c0e4febf4447831bd7ac0cd3f5ae.jpg)
Eco-Packers Hostal
![Cuzco](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/66f31e_cbc4b690b4ab471b9f340960cb1ec308.jpg/v1/fill/w_147,h_196,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/66f31e_cbc4b690b4ab471b9f340960cb1ec308.jpg)
Street in the steep San Blas neigborhood
![Cuzco](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/66f31e_62dba0fe505d4e8eb96a42f1e9600ca0.jpg/v1/fill/w_147,h_133,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/66f31e_62dba0fe505d4e8eb96a42f1e9600ca0.jpg)
Quechua women in indigenous dress with baby lambs
![Pisco Bar, Cuzco](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/66f31e_a7da8a007f564b77a85889c370b777bf.jpg/v1/fill/w_147,h_90,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/66f31e_a7da8a007f564b77a85889c370b777bf.jpg)
Pisco is the national alcohol drink of Peru, a clear liquor made from grapes, similar to a grappa.
![Cuzco](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/66f31e_4e1c38ff80f44fc7b92e064b406bae0d.jpg/v1/fill/w_147,h_196,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/66f31e_4e1c38ff80f44fc7b92e064b406bae0d.jpg)
Quechua woman weaving with a backstrap loom
![Cuy](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/66f31e_8067d0745e884999ae2acd765f2d714c.jpg/v1/fill/w_147,h_110,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/66f31e_8067d0745e884999ae2acd765f2d714c.jpg)
Guinea Pig, or cuy, is a traditional food source in Peru - they are not kept as pets
![Cuzco](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/66f31e_8bc8536aa4d840f8800ef11ea52296e0.jpg/v1/fill/w_147,h_265,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/66f31e_8bc8536aa4d840f8800ef11ea52296e0.jpg)
Coca candies and tea leaves sold everywhere to combat the effects of altitude
![Sacred Valley](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/66f31e_ed84dfb5a9e040f49d4c2a597b20616a.jpg/v1/fill/w_147,h_110,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/66f31e_ed84dfb5a9e040f49d4c2a597b20616a.jpg)
![Sacred Valley](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/66f31e_61f85c4cbb9e48a1812cccf127549cca.jpg/v1/fill/w_147,h_196,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/66f31e_61f85c4cbb9e48a1812cccf127549cca.jpg)
Terraces
![Sacred Valley](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/66f31e_79e639f21c59450ebaf26f15406b4960.jpg/v1/fill/w_147,h_150,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/66f31e_79e639f21c59450ebaf26f15406b4960.jpg)
Children outside the Incan ruins, Ollantaytambo
![Sacred Valley](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/66f31e_58bd181a254e49dbb428c72d5af52f44.jpg/v1/fill/w_147,h_110,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/66f31e_58bd181a254e49dbb428c72d5af52f44.jpg)
Ollantaytambo ruins and market
![Sacred Valley](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/66f31e_9b76ab3681e54bb9a80e66082fed914b.jpg/v1/fill/w_147,h_173,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/66f31e_9b76ab3681e54bb9a80e66082fed914b.jpg)
Chinchero (the birthplace of the rainbow in Quechua lore)
![Perurail Train](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/66f31e_14a3800ed863421a8e2509fdc036cd9f.jpg/v1/fill/w_147,h_131,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/66f31e_14a3800ed863421a8e2509fdc036cd9f.jpg)
To Machu Picchu (from Ollantaytambo)
![Inca Trail](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/66f31e_13b71f7c589c4af3b9a3f6f5fc40e12d.jpg/v1/fill/w_147,h_153,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/66f31e_13b71f7c589c4af3b9a3f6f5fc40e12d.jpg)
![Aguas Calientes](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/66f31e_57b53fa0176b4051a132e01b59da55a2.jpg/v1/fill/w_147,h_196,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/66f31e_57b53fa0176b4051a132e01b59da55a2.jpg)
Gateway to Machu Picchu, Aguas Calientes is located in a steep gorge with a rushing river down the center.
![Aguas Calientes](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/66f31e_3368610c62b74df28174c366066794e3.jpg/v1/fill/w_147,h_101,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/66f31e_3368610c62b74df28174c366066794e3.jpg)
Virgen del Carmen Fiesta
![Aguas Calientes](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/66f31e_c93e080aba5a4bfe993923e141959980.jpg/v1/fill/w_147,h_178,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/66f31e_c93e080aba5a4bfe993923e141959980.jpg)
Virgen del Carmen Fiesta
![Aguas Calientes](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/66f31e_babaaa5cad2241a696e4cdd798b7c73c.jpg/v1/fill/w_147,h_196,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/66f31e_babaaa5cad2241a696e4cdd798b7c73c.jpg)
Narrow street lined with pizza joints
![Aguas Calientes](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/66f31e_6c00e454eb7b4e4c9cc68195292795e3.jpg/v1/fill/w_147,h_196,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/66f31e_6c00e454eb7b4e4c9cc68195292795e3.jpg)
Hot Springs
![Machu Picchu](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/66f31e_5df923ada0a141d3a97991a8c4b6cb5f.jpg/v1/fill/w_147,h_107,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/66f31e_5df923ada0a141d3a97991a8c4b6cb5f.jpg)
Iconic family photo
![Machu Picchu](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/66f31e_3cc0ed2af29441c693c08d8608c8cf50.jpg/v1/fill/w_147,h_110,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/66f31e_3cc0ed2af29441c693c08d8608c8cf50.jpg)
![Machu Picchu](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/66f31e_f7b88e3dce7344ea84a1d1bdb6ed67dc.jpg/v1/fill/w_147,h_196,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/66f31e_f7b88e3dce7344ea84a1d1bdb6ed67dc.jpg)
![Machu Picchu](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/66f31e_a74256b35dd64f5d9835d998dce5ac7b.jpg/v1/fill/w_147,h_113,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/66f31e_a74256b35dd64f5d9835d998dce5ac7b.jpg)
The Incans were master stone masons
![Puno](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/66f31e_b5b560723e6d4bfcafab08570ac3baac.jpg/v1/fill/w_147,h_135,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/66f31e_b5b560723e6d4bfcafab08570ac3baac.jpg)
Cathedral at night
![Lake Titicaca](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/66f31e_6bf84af7ae1c443a9b4831887a880ac2.jpg/v1/fill/w_147,h_109,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/66f31e_6bf84af7ae1c443a9b4831887a880ac2.jpg)
Uros Floating Islands
![Lake Titicaca](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/66f31e_a16601a9835f45f1a54f9f952b677dc6.jpg/v1/fill/w_147,h_110,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/66f31e_a16601a9835f45f1a54f9f952b677dc6.jpg)
Uros Reed Islands - traditional reed boat
![Lake Titicaca](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/66f31e_2434a2a73d8243a1af15752b385016f7.jpg/v1/fill/w_147,h_114,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/66f31e_2434a2a73d8243a1af15752b385016f7.jpg)
Taquile Island where the men have a tradition of knitting hats - red ones for married men and white ones for singles
![Arequipa](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/66f31e_365e2d28dba542999431e0838efc0d9b.jpg/v1/fill/w_147,h_110,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/66f31e_365e2d28dba542999431e0838efc0d9b.jpg)
Volcanoes looking down on the city of Arequipa
![Arequipa](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/66f31e_643bcaa0af174cfa9edd6eaedce9ebda.jpg/v1/fill/w_147,h_110,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/66f31e_643bcaa0af174cfa9edd6eaedce9ebda.jpg)
Peruvian Independence Day preparations
![Arequipa](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/66f31e_d8fd807b34a24fba81a1b756ff34280e.jpg/v1/fill/w_147,h_104,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/66f31e_d8fd807b34a24fba81a1b756ff34280e.jpg)
Baroque decorated colonial buildings constructed of white sillar volcanic stone
![Arequipa](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/66f31e_1e9d52995e764125ad496cd783440867.jpg/v1/fill/w_147,h_196,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/66f31e_1e9d52995e764125ad496cd783440867.jpg)
Santa Catalina Monastery - a city within a city
![Arequipa](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/66f31e_b98c50bb033b4b11ab19ca2aef90c4fe.jpg/v1/fill/w_147,h_118,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/66f31e_b98c50bb033b4b11ab19ca2aef90c4fe.jpg)
Jacaranda trees in bloom - a sight we really love to see
![Arequipa](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/66f31e_3f9416660d714de6b57848afe01ab261.jpg/v1/fill/w_147,h_110,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/66f31e_3f9416660d714de6b57848afe01ab261.jpg)
Sillar Quarry outside Arequipa
![Near Chivay](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/66f31e_26a5433d51764c3696ddd7c2b5881769.jpg/v1/fill/w_147,h_110,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/66f31e_26a5433d51764c3696ddd7c2b5881769.jpg)
Inca terracing on the way to Chivay for our Colca Canyon Trip
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/66f31e_f754514c7ef74ad1996a135258d12084.jpg/v1/fill/w_147,h_101,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/66f31e_f754514c7ef74ad1996a135258d12084.jpg)
Vicuñas, wild relatives of alpacas and llamas, are abundant in the Paramo (high grassland) reserve on the way to Colca Canyon