M Is for Machu Picchu

Our Next A to Z stop is Machu Picchu

I can't begin to imagine what the American Archaeologist Hiram Bingham thought when he first saw Machu Picchu in 1911. I'd seen a thousand pictures before I arrived in 2016 and thought I knew what to expect, but for Bingham this extraordinary sight was unexpected. Bingham was on the trail to another site when he came upon the five miles of building, complete with 3,000 steps. There are a number of theories about the purpose of Machu Picchu, but the predominant thinking is that it served as the royal estate for Inca Emporers and nobles. 

  Despite my years of hoping to travel to Machu Picchu and the reading I'd done, 

I was in complete awe actually being here. 

Next stop, Amazon River

My only goal for my trip to Peru was to see Machu Picchu. But the tour offered the opportunity to extend my time in Peru with a trip to the Amazon region of Peru. I decided that this was a once in a lifetime opportunity and prepared for the environment, complete with the strongest mosquito repellent I could find and malaria medication. I'd done a lot of traveling, but never been in a jungle environment before. I am so grateful I took advantage of the opportunity.

My guides in the Amazon

Despite mosquito bites and a big slip into the mud, I loved my visit to the Amazon. Our group traveled by boat along the river from the city of Iquitos. One of my favorite activities was visiting one of the villages along the river. We had a wonderful group of guides who escorted us throughout the time we spent there. The bowl I'm holding still has a treasured place in my living room. 

Me and my friend, Stinky

The other activity that stands out was a visit to an animal sanctuary. We met monkeys, birds and an anaconda that had been in a motor boat accident and was receiving medical care. In the second after this picture was taken I realized that my new friend, Stinky, was a real monkey and not a stuffed toy, and that anything could happen.  

I've loved returning to Peru and so glad to have your company. To get to our next stop it will take us 34 hours and three flights to go 5700 miles. We will be in a completely different environment and a country we haven't traveled to yet in this series. Any guesses where we're going for "N"? We'll see tomorrow. 

As ever, thanks for visiting and take good care.  Much love and wash your hands!