Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Something not as heavy...ok a review of my trips to Machu Picchu in Peru!


Visiting Machu Picchu in Peru

If you ever get the chance to go…GO! They don’t call it one of the Seven Wonders of the World for nothing. I personally have had the once in a life time opportunity, twice! With each occasion I was completely blown away.
Peru isn’t the first thought on every traveler’s mind when they are thinking of their next destination, but to any veteran with the goal to see it all this is a must. If you are an amateur seeking adventure Peru has what you need as well, with a lively and incredibly friendly culture, rich history, interesting and tasty cuisine (they’re into the guinea pig thing—not a personal fan), and as far as landscape goes they got it all—jungles and mountains, snow-capped mountains and the high altitudes, beaches, and deserts.
Yet of course the main attraction is the ancient Mayan treasure of Machu Picchu. Snuggled deep in the jungle there is only a few ways to reach this ancient city: for the hardcore there is the jungle trek, or for those wishing to see the landscape in a more comfortable fashion you can take the train, then the long bus ride up. My companions and I chose the scenic route and got to enjoy an amazing trip through the jungle while relaxing with our friends on a comfortable train ride. When you reach the bottom and begin the bus trip up it is difficult to not use up all of your pictures taking snapshots of the amazing jungle scenery around you, but save some for the top. Once you make it past the markets and souvenirs (they’re cool too, don’t get me wrong) you’ll finally reach the gates to enter into the lost city of Machu Picchu. From there you will be teamed up with a guide, who is sure to give you the un-biased lowdown on the history of this great city. After the tour is done, it is up to you. We spent hours taking pictures, lying around and soaking it all in, taking snapshots appearing to jump off cliffs (see below), or climbing Waynu Picchu for the ultimate view of the jungle.
So like I said before if you ever get the chance to go to Peru and Machu Picchu, don’t pass it up. It’s something you’ll remember forever. Stay in Cusco a while, the closest major city to Machu Picchu, sleep and relax in one of their novel little hotels. Eat some Peruvian food, try guinea pig if you’re brave enough, buy some knick-knacks, it is well worth it.

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