Lima. Cusco. Machu Picchu.
Three of the top tourist destinations in Peru. Cusco and Machu Picchu had been on my Peru Bucket List since finding out my Peace Corps assignment. A few weeks ago, I was finally able to cross them off, with the company of my parents.
We flew to Cusco on March 11 with our tour group. We toured the city a bit, hitting up the Inca ruins of Saqsaywaman first.
Cusco was built in the shape of a puma, an animal highly regarded by the Incans. Saqsaywaman was the head of the puma, a religiously important place—and where the Incans held their ground during the conquests.
We then explored other areas of the old city, including one of the many churches. I am a HUGE fan of Spanish architecture, so this was quite a treat.
On March 12, we took off for Machu Picchu—a 2 hour bus ride and 1 ½ hour train ride away from Cusco.
Once we were at Machu Picchu, our guide took us around for several hours, explaining the importance of each building
And in the blink of an eye, the sun began setting and we were off to the hotel for dinner and rest.
We had the next day to explore the town below Machu Picchu, now of the same name—formerly Aguas Calientes. And Saturday we were back in Cusco to finish a guided tour there.
The trip flew by, and I’d love to go back again!
Brittany McGee 