Machu Picchu, Cusco, the Sacred Valley and Northern Peru
A Perfect Pairing to Your Galapagos Cruise Vacation!
Magical Machu Picchu!
One of the "Seven Wonders of the World". Machu Picchu is an amazing place to visit, hike and explore, or just relax and meditate in the tranquility how life was, and maybe should be.. I have been here many times, and look forward to coming back again, and again. From past to present, explorers have embarked on journeys into the Peruvian heartland of intricate architecture, rich culture and ancient ruins. These archaeologists unearth the mysteries of Peru through their expeditions, each discovery lending a voice to the story of Peru's past
Hiram Bingham’s 1912 Account of Machu Picchu
In April 1913, American explorer Hiram Bingham (November 1875–June 1956) made the front cover of National Geographic magazine with an account of his 1912 Peruvian expedition—what would become one of the most renowned stories to be printed in the magazine. The National Geographic article, "In the Wonderland of Peru," was accompanied by 250 images and featured Bingham’s personal account of Machu Picchu. Bingham recounted, "The surroundings of Machu Picchu are remarkably wild and the scenery is inexpressibly beautiful." The National Geographic Society and Yale University co-sponsored the expedition. Machu Picchu is one of the most important archaeological sites in the world and has become a major tourist attraction in South America.
Machu Picchu is one of the most important archaeological sites in the world and has become a major tourist attraction in South America. A citadel of cut stone fit together without mortar so tightly that its cracks still can't be penetrated by a knife blade, Machu Picchu is tangible evidence of the urban Inca Empire at the peak of its power and achievement. Tourists can roughly follow the same steep path Hiram Bingham took to witness firsthand the extraordinary views of the Machu Picchu Historic Sanctuary, which looks almost as it did in Bingham’s time.
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When Hiram Bingham first saw the maze of terraces and walls rising out of the thick undergrowth in 1911, he found himself in a place that, though known by some indigenous peoples, had been hidden from the outside world for nearly 400 years. "It seemed like an unbelievable dream," Bingham later wrote. "What could this place be?"
The Advantages of a well guided tour
Even in the COVID years we had an amazing time, We traveled and experience many parts of life and came home to tell many stories of our adventures, even what we needed to du with testing to get us through. And how was that possible? With the guidance of our local guide who knows where to go and how to get there, as well as where not to go and enjoy life. Besides the Inca creations and incredible architecture you will be blessed with some of Mother Nature's finest located here in Peru. This tropical rainforest will enhance your adventure with all it's beauty, thank you Juan!
The Scared Valley, Cusco and More!
Okay, now I am gettig hungry, how about you? Below is a treat I sure you will enjoy! "Pachamanca"is a traditional Peruvian dish baked with the aid of hot stones. The earthen oven is known as a huatia. It is generally made of lamb, mutton, alpaca, llama, guanaco, vicuna, pork, beef, chicken, or guinea pig, marinated in herbs and spices. Very much "rica comdia" and one you will try, one you will enjoy and savor all the flavors being shared.
Our journey continues, all aboard!
Our adventure through the Sacred Valley will bring you to many sights, shops and restaurants to enjoy and savory the local cuisine. The colors are bright and so are the smile and
personalities of the local. Along our journey you will be guided and informed of what you seem the history and many secrets along the way. Once again, all by private transportation, driver and guide for your comfort and hospitality.
The Beauty of an the Andes and the Inca Remains
Everywhere you'll go will have it's history, but the closer you look, you'll see the beauty of what remains, and lives for you day. The high altitude where the lived is fill with sights to be seen, flavors to be tasted and sounds to be heard. Open your senses and experience the surroundings, a whole new world awaits your arrival, From the tropical forest of Machu Picchu, to the altitude of the Andes, to the Northern coast of Peru, you will always be amazed and pleased, with what you see in your journey.
Let the Magic Happen!
Now, back to Machu Picchu. The hidden secrets are not for all, but when you know where to go, and what it is you are seeing, it is magnifies your experience 10 fold! I have had the pleasure of working with our guide now since 2017 and it was a true blessing in how we came to meet. The energy we create, sending out and receiving, is very strong, and what becomes of our own vibrations things simply seem to come our way, I love life, and I love the way it works for, and the proof of my beliefs is demonstrated as I walk with side by side, and you will too when you join us this magical journey!
We will ride in style in a 5 Star Classic Train
From a small train station just outside of Cusco, you will just need to grab your "overnight bag" before getting to the station where we'll enjoying a champagne toast while we board the Hiram Bingham Train! Next up, you'll be enjoying a fantastic gourmet lunch while we travel on a 4 hour ride to Aguas Calientes. You will travel through incredible scenery along with your new family of friends while being entertained by local entertainers! And the best news, this is only the first "one way" ride as we'll have the same service with dinner service during our evening return.
Touring of the Sacred Valley is an essential part of your exploration of the Inca Heartland in Peru. Indeed there are many ruins to visit and mountainsides to trek, but one intriguing sight not to be missed are the ancient salt pans. Dug into the mountainside are over 4 thousand of shallow pools filled with salt water. Eventually, they evaporate and leave behind crystallized salt. These salt pans have been in operation for more than 500 years. And today and years past, they are mined by local families for their special, the much enjoyed Peruvian pink salt. All of what you will see comes from a small source of water of a subterranean natural spring, which is mixed with salt deposits from prehistoric salt lakes
Those who wander are not always lost
Sometimes they are simply on their way to an incredible restaurant tucked away on the hillside of the incredible city of Cusco, in the Peruvian Andes. Once the capital of the Inca Empire, and is now known for its archaeological remains and Spanish colonial architecture. Plaza de Armas is the central square in the old city, with arcades, carved wooden balconies and Incan wall ruins.
Norther Peru - My First Adventure
My newest part of Peru to explore begins on June 18th of 2023. This adventure will be with 12 guests of "Family and Friends" along with our wonderful guide, and my good friend, Juan. We'll will start with a meet & greet at the Jorge Chávez International Airport in Peru. This airport can be an adventure of its own, but like all travels, you need a place to get you where you want to go! From there we'll overnight in Lima, see some sights and catch up from our overnight flight. Next day will be a road trip north to see a couple on UNESCO HERITAGE sights and meet up with a couple of soon to be new friends (new guides). Three days and nights exploring new sights and learning much history of this region on our amazing planet. If you would like to follow us along, please "Subscribe" below and you will receive a simple blog with highlights and images of my newest option for you to join me in years to come, Northern Peru! - Rod Hunt
Off into the Wild Blue Yonder of Northern Peru and Destinations Beyond!
