Peru
I spent 2 weeks in this beautiful country.
I visited the capitol city of Lima, The Inca capitol of Cusco, The Andes Mountains & the Iconic site of Machu Picchu.
I hired a guide for my entire trip. Vidal Expeditions & you can visit them here: www.vidalexpeditions.com
When I arrived in Cusco, Vidal Expeditions immediately changed a good part of my guided trip although my guided itinerary was confirmed well in advance.
I would give their guiding service a C - .
They were constantly late & they would not respond to my emails (while I was in Cusco) about questions I had concerning my guided tour(s) promptly.
I tipped them well but probably shouldn't have.
michaeljmcgee.com videos:
Peru Part 4
Peru Part 5
Peru Part 6
Lima
I flew into Lima & stayed at the nice Villa La Punta which was a very short walk to the Pacific Ocean.
South Pacific Ocean
Cusco
Cusco from the airplane
I stayed at the very nice albeit noisy Eco Bunnu Inn.
Unbeknownst to me I arrived on the Peruvian Fiestas Patrias (Independence day / July 28).
There were 3 days of celebration with parades, fireworks, bands & other activities.
Plaza de Armas
Chakruna. Possibly the best restaurant I visited during my trip.
The thin sidewalks of Cusco
Rock Climbing
I first climbed at the Salkantay Cla area which is at 13, 015'. A nice small Limestone area just outside of Cusco.
We were the only two climbing there that day.
My climbing guide Urbano.
MJM on Unknown .8+.
MJM leading Unknown .9.
Sacred Valley Rock Climbing
We climbed at a nice little Basalt area called Lamay with a very short hike in & pretty good but licheny rock.
El Canal Area
MJM flashed Rango .9
MJM flashing Mulan .9
MJM flashed Los Teletubis .9
Pilar Area
The Andes Mountains
I took a private ride to Pacchanta. The road is paved for most of the ride. The last few miles are dirt to Pacchanta.
Pacchanta 13,812'
When I arrived at my Hostal I was followed around by this little Peruvian girl.
Nevado Ausangate Valley
Private Hot Springs
I was here to hike in the Andes & attempt Qampa peak.
I turned my attempt back at 16,035' because of the lack of quality overnight sleep ... bummer.
The hike in to Qampa.
Qampa peak 18,045' on the left.
Our guides:Vidal (Green pack) & Urbano
Qampa base camp 15,700'.
Sunrise
Alpaca
Sacred Valley Inca site tour
Pisaq
El Maizal Restaraunt • Urubamba
Ollantaytambo
Train to Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu
My tour was at 6 am. This area was packed with tourist including myself.
Enter here
I asked for circuit 4 but recieved circuit 1.
This area is very heavily regulated & rightfully so.
MJM at Machu Picchu
Huayna Picchu 8,835'
Look close. You can see the stone terraces on top.
Going up
MJM on the summit of Huayna Picchu.
Huayna Picchu is a great steep hike overlooking Machu Picchu.
MJM round trip time: 40 minutes up & 20 minutes down.
Going down
The city of Machu Picchu
That's Wrap!