We stayed with Gerry and Nancy Neufeld at their lovely Cuenca home for part of our time in Ecuador. It was a great time.
We did some exploring and shopping in Cuenca:
Peguche Waterfall – beautiful ritual and spiritual place where the inhabitants on the eve of Inti Raymi go to the waterfall for a sacred bath.
Cuicocha lake in Cotacachi-Cayapas Reserve. A lake in the crater of an active volcano.
The Tropins visit the Ecuadorian Amazon. Hike through the Rain Forest.
Eat bugs, frogs and drink tea at a visit to a Kitwa village. The rain forest is named correctly as we took a hike through a three hour downpour. We stayed at an Eco lodge and enjoyed the rain forest atmosphere.
Machu Picchu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known as “The Lost City of the Incas”, Machu Picchu was built circa 1450 and abandoned only 100 years later. The Views are breathtaking.
Traveling from Cuzco to Machu Picchu required a trip by bus, train and a second bus ride. Along the way we had the chance to visit several communities and to visit the Sacred Valley of the Inca’s.
Our guide Marcos Farfan stopped along the way to purchase two LARGE and delicious loaves of bread from a vendor along the side of the road. It was delicious!!
The Sacred Valley – note the ruins on the edge of the mountain above the town.
A local mother with her three year old and a newborn in the sling on her hip.
These local girls performed a song for our group for a small fee. of course.
More of the ruins at the Sacred Valley.
The home of a local family, complete with a supply of Cuy (Guiney pigs) kept in the ate the home. Cuy is a cheap, easy to keep and tasty food source (yes, we eat some that was prepared for us a few days after this photo).
Our guide Marcos grew up in a mountain village and showed us how this farming tool is used.
The landscape was very beautiful.
A demonstration of pottery made from clay in the local mountains.
Boarding our train.
vel!
The train took us to the town of Agua Caliente at the base of Machu Picchu. One more bus ride took us up the mountain to the site of Machu Picchu. The next post will feature our walk through Machu Picchu. It was worth the trip! Amazing.
Lovely community 11800 ft. above sea level. We both had trouble with altitude sickness here. It used to be the capital of the Incan Kingdom.
We had a fabulous supper at a folk dance club.
The dancing was great as we watched a selection of Peruvian dances:
Lima has 10 Million people and has lots to see.
Plaza Mayor in the heart of the city.
Arrived this morning at hotel at 3:45 am. Had nap in afternoon. Went exploring in morning.
Met new friends Bob and Gloria. Went out for a great supper.
