We arrived in Lima pretty late. Found our driver and were a little freaked out going to the hotel. It was so dark! Got to hotel, checked in and went to sleep. Our room smelled like cat pee, which was actually pretty funny! Of course, I go to take my contacts off and realize that I totally forgot my saline and contact case!

Had breakfast in Lima and met our group. Went back to airport and found a store to buy saline and a contact case. One of the members of our group bought some coca candy. I took a piece and honestly thought that I was going to be sick. Then we were off to Cusco. Upon arrival, we met Juan Carlos, our guide for the next week. He was great! Got …

We visted Saqsaywaman today and learned about how they believe the rocks/boulders were moved. Amazing! We also visted 2 other sites near here and I have forgotten their names. One of them had these really cool rocks on top and only during the vernal equinox or near it, can you see the shadows that look just like a tiger...very cool. The other …

Today we left most of our bags and just took things for a few days. Went into the Sacred Valley and started out at the Llama Learning Center. Learned the difference between llamas and alpacas and witnessed weaving and dying of wool. Luckily, we didn't get spit on by the llamas there. Went to a store and bought some peruvian hats. Went to …

Woke up really early and climbed like 200 steps up the ruins of Ollantaytambo. Learned that this is the place that "El Dorado" is based off of. Views were awesome and due to the vernal equinox, we were able to witness some great shadowing. Amazing how far ahead their thinking was. Had a little time in town to walk around before …

Today we were either free to go back to Machu Picchu or walk around. My feet were killing me from my new hiking boots so, I put on my flip flops and we walked around and went to the market. We picked up some great presents for friends and family and did quite a bit of bargaining. Dinner was across the street from hotel as a group. Pizza and …

Took train back to Ollantaytambo and got back on the bus. We ended up in the back (again) somehow but, oh well. Continued on to Moray, which was amazing to see and learn about. Juan Carlos showed us the spot that a famous National Geographic photo was taken. I looked it up later and yep...it was right there. Also saw the salt pans in the …

Today was the big day. We got our sack lunches and made our way back to Saqsaywaman for the festivities. It was packed! Very colorful and interesting. We were really hoping that there was not going to be a sacrifice but, there was (not sure if it was real though...lots of smoke). Lasted a few hours. Once we were back on the bus, it took …

We flew to Quito and after dropping off our bags, had a city tour. Our guide was a little new and had this great laugh. We went down to the historic district and saw a few churches and squares. We then went to the statue on the hill and took pictures and then went to the Equator. There is this little Disney like village there which is kinda …