The Sacred Valley of the Incas - 13th April.

Up early and off on our Sacred Valley of the Incas tour with local guide santee.
First off we visited an Animal Sanctuary -  Awana Kancha and we saw wild life they are healing and returning to the wild. I bought a baby alpaca beanie for myself and Kevin got a t- shirt.
Next off to the Sacred Valley. An area rich in soils,good climate,rich flora and fauna, it's exception beauty, as well as its association with the cosmos. It was called Sacred by the Incas and was their personal holding & was built as a direct extension of the city of Cusco.
Inca architecture was designed not only to be practical but use natural formations already present and put them in their terraces,platforms,channels, water fountains etc.
We had a guided tour of the "Pisac Ruins" in the Sacred Valley. It's built on top of a mountain with tons of uphill steps, made up of groups of terraces that are integrated with the hillside.

Next we were off and stopped at a fabulous market for shopping for jewerley, souvenirs etc. I bought a small change purse & a shoulder bag. Kevin got a sunhat with a good brim.
We had a late lunch in a delightful restaurant - I had a chicken/salad sandwich and Kevin had a bowl of chicken/ vegie soup.
We continued on to Ollantaytamboo and had a tour of their Ruins. More uphill steps -  lots of them!
We dropped all the people hiking the "Inca Trail" & Karen, Ella, Kevin & I headed back to Cusco. ( it took an hour).
Home at 7.30pm. We had coca tea, some mixed nuts & a danish pastry for tea in our room. Showered & hopped into bed.
Jo from New Plymouth vibered us -  we chatted to her for a while, was great to hear her voice.
Goodnight for now.

The Amazon Rainforest - 10th - 12th April.

We flew from Lima to Puerto Maldonado taking 2hrs. With a stop over in Cusco. Then a boat ride to our jungle lodge - only taking enough gear for the days there. The boat took 20 people.
Had a fabulous lunch then took off for a 5km hike in the heat. 33 degrees with 100% humidity. Kevin just about melted. He dived into the pool on our arrival back at the lodge & so did I .
An early start to beat the heat the next day - but it was raining & had been throughout the night with thunder & lightening.
So off we went in all our rainwear a hike of 5 kms to see the Lost Lagoon & any animals on the way.
There is such incredible biodiversity here.
Back for a scrumptious lunch and rest. Then up & off to Monkey Island to see the sights & sounds. There were several different kinds of monkeys there. They came down & took fruit from the tourists hands. Then our canoe ride back to our lodge and a relax in the hammocks and a soak up all the vibrant sights and sounds in the jungle.
A 3course dinner to end our stay as we were leaving in the morning and our farewells to people who were going in a different direction.
Next day up at 5.30am as we went back up the Amazon River to the port. - 1 1/2 hrs and then on to the airport for our flight back to Cusco. We arrived mid afternoon and had the rest of the day to enjoy there.  By for now.

Peru.

Saturday 9th April - Up & breakfasted at the Hotel. Met our guide - Wilson.
Then headed off on a city tour by bus. We visited a plaza a view of the Huaca Pucliana built in the 4th century, next the Bank of Peru Museum - with the ancient cultures of Peru.
We walked through the Main Square seeing the cathedral,government house, municipal palace & the Franciscan Monastery & it's catacombs. We stopped at the Pacific Ocean to get the breathtaking view.

Friday 8th arrived in Santiago after 12hours of flying then a quick jump on the next plane to Lima - that was nearly 4 hours so presently having a bite to eat as our eyes are practically closing.
There are 9 people with us. We will all meet up tomorrow.
It's warm & humid here. The people are polite and friendly. See you again.

Another Adventure in the wonderful South America.
June and Kevin are heading off to Lima Peru today. So follow our exciting adventures.