Santa Cruz

We landed in Baltra and took a short bus ride to the ferry to reach Santa Cruz. From there we travelled on a second bus about 1 hour to reach our cruise ship "Odyssey"

Galapagos

Location:Baltra and Santa Cruz

Quito City Tour

We spend the morning touring and viewing the Independence Plaza, the Presidential Palace and the temple of La Compania de Jesus followed by the Monestaty of San Fransico.

Location:Quito

Quito City Tour continued

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Quito

An early morning rise to the Lima airport. We are leaving Peru and are headed for Ecuador. We arrive in Quito and hire a van to transport us to our hotel.

3 hours from airport to our hotel. Needless to say, we Canadian travellers are prepared! Looks like the van has a problem with the engine overheating. We offer up duct tape to repair the hose and band aids to deal with our driver's hand injuries.

Location:Quito

Return to Cusco on the Vistadome

Via rail could learn some great marketing lessons here.


We enjoyed a first class meal followed by dancing and a fashion show. Our entertainment included Marg and Laura as cast mambers. I cannot remember having such an enjoyable journey

Location:Machu Picchu to Cusco

Wayna Picchu

The Heathers, Don and Jim all woke up extra early (4:30 am) to make it up to Machu Picchu for their 7am time slot to climb Wayna Picchu (also referred to as Huayna Picchu). 

It was a hard hike up (especially given the humidity and the altitude) but was well worth it in the end.

The views from the top were amazing

Here is a little taste of some of the stairs we got to deal with

Sanctuary Lodge

After an amazing day at Machu Picchu we take the bus down the mountain and we are escorted to our lodge.

We are greated with refreshments and are amazed at our accommodations. The sanctuary lives up to its name.






Don, Heather, Heather and Jim wake up early on Monday to climb Huayna Picchu. (5:30 am bus ride up the mountain). Laura, Gerry, Sandi and Marg wish them well and enjoy a leisurely breakfast followed by a tour of the sanctuary. We see hummingbirds, tea production and orchid gardens.





A eucalyptus sauna for all to enjoy.

Location:Base of Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu

Somehow the rainy start only made the experience that much better. We started in the mist and rain and were awed when the sun broke through and we were able to see for miles!

Location:Machu Picchu

Aguas Calientes

We arrive at the base and it is pouring rain. For $2.00 we purchase rain ponchos for our exploration of Machu Picchu. Gerry has named our group the "Skittles".


Did I mention that we survived a death defying bus ride from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu? 20 minutes of don't look down or do I bother with a seat belt?

Location:Near Machu Picchu

Enroute to Machu Picchu

We rise early to catch our train to Aguas Calientes at the base of Machu Picchu.

The views from the Vistadome train are spectacular.

Location:Aguas Calientes

Ollantaytambo

We stop in Ollantaytambo. This is where the hearty souls begin their 4 day trek on the Inca Trail to Machu Pichu. This is also where those of us with less time or stamina catch the train.

We climb the hillside to view an ancient city and temple.











No visit is complete without a market.


To our surprise, our overnight accommodations are wonderful. We enjoy a tranquil lodge with dinner accompanied by a local musician playing his harp and singing.

Location:Ollantaytambo