We are back!!!

Oooof what a trip. Lima, then Cusco, the Machu Picchu and then Cusco and then back to Lima.

Below is a link to the 1st pass of M/P pictures. We arrived at 1 pm and the park emptied out and toward 4:30 we were about the only ones there.

UNFORTUNATELY, I was oxygen and sleep deprived - got a head cold/allergies and simply couldn't breath/sleep - it wasn't altitude sickness as it followed me home to sea level. Cusco is 12k feet, M/P is 8k feet.

FORTUNATELY, my other daughter is studying to be an anthropologist so we are likely to go back.

My recommendations are - go directly there, stay in the lodge just outside the park - yes it is expensive but it will likely be for 1 night only anyway. That way you can get sunset and sunrise (perhaps even get to the sun gate for sunrise - not sure if means as much as it sounds. I would avoid Lima - longer story, but trust me on this one - I would do a 3 city, 7-9 day trip and focus on the eastern side of the country. DEFINITELY, do a day or two in the Amazon headwaters.

We missed Juliaca (Lake Titicaca) and the Amazon side. Again short, Lima was simply not worth the time spent - and it was Mira Flores.

Below is a link to what can be best described as a bunch of snapshot/tourist pix. Was moving a bit quick to do any real set shots. Also the sky was a very bright overcast for most the time. We stayed at the bottom of the mountain which means we had to leave before the sun really got low.

Mike

https://www.flickr.com/photos/777609...57680548062362