Peru III (August 26st - August 30th)

The second day in Cuzco was dedicated to more remote sightseeing, particularly at the remains of original Inca structures around the city, e.g. the Saqsaywaman (pronounced as "sexy woman"). Even more interesting part of the day came at the lunch time, when the expeditioners decided to taste two of main local specialities - guinea-pig and llama. Although the roasted guinea-pig looked quite big on the plate, it provided rather poor culinary experience. Llama with tea-leaves sauce was, on the other hand, truly delicious. Then it was high time to take an afternoon bus to Ollantayambo and a connecting pricey train (40 USD/2 hours) further to Aguas Callientes.

Cuzco from above

Llamas are by far the most popular animals (not only) in Peru

Roasted guinea-pig with potatoes (front)
and llama meat with tea-leaves sauce and chips (rear)

Aguas Callientes is the base town for exploring Machu Picchu, and arguably the most touristy place visited on the expedition. Being busy with logistical arrangements for the following day, and paralyzed/amuzed by ridiculously high prices all around, the adventurers did not join ubiquitous party-hardy travellers, and rather got some decent sleep.

Pricy monopoly trains shuttling tourists to/from Aguas Callientes

Getting up at 3:45 a.m. was eventually not early enough to get into the first bus leaving for Machu Picchu (at 5:30 a.m.) - yes, there really is lots of tourists coming to see the Lost city of the Incas every day. Despite that, the expeditioners managed to enter the still fog-covered site before the masses, and enjoyed the compelling atmosphere of Machu Picchu to its fullest.

On the spot! Obligatory postcard snap at Machu Picchu

At the very top of Huayna Picchu
(the high hill in the back of the previous picture)

Animal life within the walls of the Lost city of the Incas

Going back to Cuzco through the Sacred Valley (consisting of various Inca citadels close to Machu Picchu) allowed the adventurers to take it easy and spend one entire day visiting Ollantaytambo, Urubamba and Pisac, and hike in their neighborhoods.

Tiny settlement close to Ollantaytambo in Sacred Valley

Political parties promote themselves with slightly infantile symbols on every house wall
(literally... check the previous picture, too)

Phantom of the Sacred Valley

Laundry being done in a progressive manner

A night bus to Arequipa (to be visited again in 3 weeks, on the way from Bolivia) was promptly followed by a bus ride to the mountain village of Chivay (almost 4.800 m), and further to Cabanaconde. The crew challenged themselves while descending into Cañon del Colca (the deepest canyon in the world, 3.191 m) and subsequently climbing it all the way back up. The whole trip took over 9 exhausting hours, but was definitely worth it (not only because of the 3L Coke reward waiting them back in the hostel).

El Fredovito at the bottom of the world's deepest canyon

The expeditioners resting and protecting themselves from strong sunshine

Halfway to the top

Having spent almost 3 weeks in Peru, it was time to move on - to Chile, through Tacna/Arica border crossing.

May the Maya be with you! :)