The blue sky stretches over the sun-lit valley, and it seems no wonder the Incas were worshippers of the sun. A spectacular view of the sacred valley emerges as we make a steep descent down a couple of thousand feet. The road is windy and the scenery is quite a contrast to the city of, Read More
I love food. I love local eats and where better to find it that at the local open air markets. Mind you, I didn’t always like ‘local food’, in fact I was a real wimp when it came to eating anything out of my usual repertoire. Oh, how travel changes you. A short walk from, Read More
Dancing through the streets of Cusco the fifteen saints and virgins from nearby churches are paraded to the beat of the enchanting Peruvian music, all in celebration of Corpus Christi. It’s a vibrant beat and thousands of strong, well dressed men ‘dance’ the patron saints from their church to the main cathedral.
A vivid portrayal of a complex history, “Cradle of Gold” sweeps me back to 1911 when Hiram Bingham discovered Machu Picchu, what a story, what an adventure it was. In a fascinating region known for awe inspiring landscapes I am poised to relive Hiram Bingham’s discoveries in the Andes through the eyes of Chris Heaney.
Now that I have your attention… it’s actually Sacsayhuamán in Cusco – but all we have to remember was “sexy woman” to get the pronunciation correct. She’s an old Inca fortress in the back of Cusco city that stands at an altitude of 12,000 feet and possibly the best display of the Inca’s most extraordinary, Read More
This is Part 2 of our Amazon Jungle trip, Part 1 is here if you’d like to read it first. Everywhere, from forest floor to the treetops, the jungle was seething with all manner of life from small ants to giant otters.
Unbelievable… Imagine standing on a pinnacle, 7,000 feet up, gazing down in awe on the most famous Inca ruins, totally surrounded by the majestic ‘Andes’ Mountains. Yes, we’re at the magical ‘Machu Picchu’, the heart of the Inca Empire. A living testament of man’s harmonious interaction with his natural environment.
Beds – fat ones, skinny ones, big ones, small ones, heavy blankets, fluffy duvets, sleeping bags, no pillows, tents, boats, hotels we had the lot. Sometimes matrimonial; yes that’s what they call double beds, sometimes single and sometimes oversize and even a four poster with curtains.
Dubbed ‘The Reliquary of the Americas’ with some 40 churches and chapels, and 16 convents and monasteries with their respective cloisters in the Old Town alone, it’s easy to understand why. Most people use Quito as a stop over for the nights either side of Galapagos Islands. We are so glad we have longer to explore this, Read More
Standing 120 feet up on the steep canopy tower, our guide points excitedly. We glimpse a rainbow of feathers, and 3 macaws fly rapidly through the tall trees. Their bright plumage is stark contrast against the cloudy, misty backdrop of the rainforest. In a flash they’re gone and we are left wanting more.
Otavalo is a must-see destination in Ecuador. Just under two hours’ drive north from Quito, the journey itself is a treat. We travel through the beautiful Andean scenery, with plenty of great little places and stalls to stop at on the way. The market is an experience for all the senses: the aromas of, Read More
High up, very high up, in fact 11,000 feet above the sea, in very thin air sits the intriguing city of Cusco. Often referred to as the ‘Navel of the World’, the umbilical life-giver, the puma, the stealthy predator, Cusco has a long and interesting history.