Cusco, Peru

 

Cusco is widely considered to be the most interesting city in South America, mostly because it’s the starting location for the Sacred Valley of the Inca and Inca Trail and Machu Picchu Nevertheless, the city itself is adorned with many fine buildings from the Spanish Colonial era.

Guinea Pig For Dinner - Cusco, Peru

 

Guinea Pig is considered a delicacy in Peru. It tasted alright, but there really wasn't a lot of meat to eat. Another type of meat typically eaten in Peru, which I did try and enjoy, is alpaca (similar to a llama).

Raqchi Ruins – Near Cosco, Peru

 

Having overnighted at this sight, we had a few hours in the morning to explore the ruins, observe the local residences on their daily routines and trek to the top of small nearby vista for some spectacular views of the valley below. Late in the morning we headed to Cusco to start preparations for the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu.

Nazca Lines - Nazca, Peru

 

Further down the coast, we ventured upon the “world’s greatest archeological mystery” – the lines of Nazca: an area of flat desert criss-crossed by lines, patterns and pictures scratched in the sand. The pictures of animals and birds are only distinguishable from the air, so we hired a small aircraft to fly over the sights. No one really knows who drew the lines and why. Modern archeologist can only guess at, but current theories suggest that they may be part of a complex agricultural calendar or ceremonial site.

 

Posted below are pictures of the condor, spider and humming bird, as viewed from the small plane. The photos were tweaked a bit to enhance the visibility of the lines.

 

 

 

An overall personal observation is that little in know about the historical and archeological sites in South America, especially during the pre-Columbian and Inca times, because those societies while very advanced never used written language. Much knowledge and information has been lost as a result.

Sunset - Paracus National Park - Paracus Peru

 

Everybody in the group seems to be getting along well, except everyone seems to be getting sick. I’d say the average age is about in the low 30´s. There are some older retirees and some young folk in their 20´s. Basically, I’m in between. As for the illness, at the Jungle Lodge a bunch of people, including me, got a 24 hour dose of diarrhea, and more recently quite a few people got a 24 hour bug of vomiting and fatigue.

Jungle Trip – Amazon River, Peru

 

Leaving the costal deserts of Peru, we flew over the snow-capped Andean peaks and immense greenery of the rain forest to Iquitos and the banks of the Amazon River. Then by speedboat we transferred to a remote eco-lodge where we explored the rainforest and its vast bio-diversity. With the assistance of expert guides, a comfortable lodge, and a great location, we filled the day with plenty of activities such as bird and wildlife spotting, piranha fishing, and jungle walks.

Jungle Adventures - Amazon, Peru

 

Piranha Fishing
 

 

Tarantula Viewing
 

 

Anaconda Wrestling
 

More Jungle Pics - Amazon River, Peru

 

Chan Chan & Moche - Trujillo, Peru

 

 

 

Chan Chan is the largest mud brick city in the world; its 10m high walls enclose an area of more than 10 square miles. We spent the morning exploring the city and its beautiful engravings and mazes of corridors. Nearby are two huge mud-brick pyramids dedicated to the Sun and the Moon, the Moche pyramids that are still being examined by archaeologist. There are many beautiful and colorful engravings in the walls and fascinating history. The site has been featured on the National Geographic Channel as well as in the magazine.

First “Rough” Camp - "Somewhere", Peru

 

In addition to the truck being our primary means of transport, the truck doubles as our home away from house. A stove emerges from the side. The pots and pans and utensils are stored in various nooks and crannies throughout. Cook groups take turns cooking. Most of are meals are eaten sitting on stools in a pseudo kitchen area. Tents are set-up for sleeping.

 

During our travels, we basically stay at two types of campsites: 1) an official campsite with toilet and shower facilities; and 2) "rough" camps where the leaders/drivers of the group/truck locate a suitable area off the road a bit to camp. There are no shower or bathroom facilities. Toilets are self-made on a need basis with a small trowel.

 

Banos, Ecuador

 

Upon leaving Quito and heading south we stayed overnight for two days a town called Banos. Lot of outdoor adventure activities were available, but I wasn’t felling well so I didn’t partake in any. Instead, I hang-out in my room writing and walked around town a bit. There as an amazing church in town, the hotel gardens outside my window were nicely landscaped. Ecuador, in generally, has very lush, mountainous landscapes.

 

In contrast, to my prior “Ultimate Asia” Overland trip in 2005 where the highlights were mostly archeological and historical sites, this trip seems to be centered on adventure and outdoor activities (trekking, camping, mountain biking, wildlife spotting, etc.), except of course for some of the archeological sites in Peru associated with the Inca.

 

First Group Photo - The Equator, Ecuador

 

I'm really not a people person. I believe we are all born into this world alone and we will die alone and other people have been put on earth to annoy us in between. Even with this said, however, somehow I keep signing up for these group holidays with strangers. When will I learn?

“Sea Man” Boat – Galapagos, Ecuador

 

For the past eight days, I’ve been living on the “Sea Man” boat (pictured above) with fifteen other guests and eight crew members. Each day we’d pile into two small “panga” boats (pictured below) and visit an island or two of the Galapagos Archipelago. We’d venture about with our guide, Galo, on sightseeing/“nature” walks. In between visiting the islands, I’d scuba dive. In total, I got to dive six times. I originally intended to exclusively scuba dive when booking the Galapagos excursion, but I’m glad I decided on the blend of nature walks and scuba diving. I thoroughly enjoyed the mix and have a much greater appreciation for Darwin’s theory of natural selection and evolution. Much of our guide’s mini-lectures were focused on this aspect of the islands. And I was able to compliment his mini-lectures by reading “Galapagos: A Natural History” by Michael H. Jackson.

 

Iguana – Galapagos, Ecuador

 

The iguanas were my favorite land animal, especially, the way they walked. And like all the other animals, they were totally indifferent to our presence. They’d just lie there, basking in the sun as we photographed and walked over them.

More Iguanas – Galapagos, Ecuador

 

 

Giant Tortoise – Galapagos, Ecuador

 

More Giant Tortoises – Galapagos, Ecuador

 

 

He's comparing winkles, possibly a little jealous.

Sea Lions – Galapagos, Ecuador

 

The babies were so adorable. They reminded me lot of puppies. You just wanted to reach out and pet them, and, at times, pick them up, but none of this was allowed.

More Sea Lions – Galapagos, Ecuador

 

 

 

Frigatebirds – Galapagos, Ecuador

 

More Birds - Galapagos, Ecuador

 

Mother frigatebird feeding her baby

 

Penguins

 

Baby Frigatebird