TravelStream™ news feed for member journeyer on TravelPod's free travel blogs service http://www.travelpod.com/syndication/rss/journeyer en-us Copyright ©2009 TravelPod.com Mon, 07 Sep 2009 22:48:40 -0400 http://www.travelpod.com http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/journeyer/3/1252351859/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/journeyer/3/1252351859/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/journeyer/3/1252351859/tpod.html Mon, 07 Sep 2009 22:48:40 -0400 Sacred Valley & Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu with Mountain Lodges of Peru

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Lima, Peru

At the Lima airport, our guide met us outside of baggage claim. We were relieved that he was there after our experience in Cusco.  We had 7 ½ hours before check-in for our international flight and an itinerary that promised to give us a flavor for Lima yet also be relaxing.  Since it was Sunday, we also had the pleasure of his wife's company.  Manuel and Carmen took us to the Museo Larco which tied together the history of the Inca and other civilizations prior to the Spanish conquistadors. Harvey was still experiencing some stomach discomfort so we had a light lunch at Pardo Chicken which was full of locals.  In Miraflores, we stopped in at Huaca Pucillana, a pre-Columbian ceremonial center, which was fascinating to see.  We then took a drive through the historic squares in downtown Lima, and for the finale to the Parque de la Reserva to see the fountains and light show.  It was quite an experience to see the spectacle of fountains, but the people watching added another dimension.  We were thankful that Manuel made it so easy for us to have a window into Lima.  He always parked the car in a place that had protection so that our luggage was safe.   He was informative and congenial.  We some interesting discussions about Peru, its people and its culture.We highly recommend Manuel Torres Leon.  He can be reached at maneurc@hotmail.com or 511-992763855
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Aguas Calientes, Sacred Valley, Peru

Who knew that there were 400 different types of orchids in the Machu Picchu area and that 372 of them can be found on the grounds of the Inkaterra Hotel in Aguas Calientes? We found out on their orchid tour today.Before we knew it, it was time to board the Vistadome train and our return trip to Cusco.I hope our photographs can impart some measure of our experience at Machu Picchu as well as the entire MLP trek and experience.  It was first class and truly a once in a lifetime experience.Day 8:  Aguas Calientes to Cusco (3,400m/11,220ft)Leisure day at the Inkaterra Hotel - orchid tourAguas Calientes to Cusco by Vistadome train and car - 4 hourshttp://www.margieswebgallery.com/galleries/peru/MLPday8/http://www.margieswebgallery.com/galleries/peru/MLPInkaterra/
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Machu Picchu, Sacred Valley, Peru

<i>This is a journey to Machu Picchu.A great trek in combination with a great destination. Our first view of Machu Picchu was from a distance as it came into view between tree branches as we looked over to a distant mountain.&nbsp; A short time later, we had lunch with Machu Picchu and its surrounding snow capped mountains in clear view.&nbsp; But nothing can really prepare you for seeing Machu Picchu close up - in person.&nbsp; Even after seeing all the iconic photos, I was still not prepared.&nbsp; There is so much to see, so many stairs to climb, so many details to notice, so much history to learn, all packed into a surprisingly large, intensely beautiful setting, that I wanted to impress it all on the screen of my mind. &nbsp;Day 7: &nbsp;Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu (2,400m/7.920ft)Early wake up for the day we have all anticipatedAguas Calientes to Machu Picchu by bus: 25 minutesWith our trip extension, we have a full day at Machu Picchuhttp://www.margieswebgallery.com/galleries/peru/MLPday7/
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Aguas Calientes, Sacred Valley, Peru

<i>This is a journey of life-changing experiences.There are many levels to an experience such as this. This trip had several meanings for me:I felt a connection with the mountains and the landscape. Its beauty, strength and timelessness got under my skin. Inspiration can come from many places.&nbsp; From the giant boulders along the trek and the exquisite stonework at Machu Picchu, to the size of the Andean mountains the message imprinted in me is to keep perspective.&nbsp; Don't take myself so seriously.&nbsp; Have fun, laugh, enjoy.&nbsp; Just relax.&nbsp; Walk when I want to walk.&nbsp; Stop when I want to rest.&nbsp; Dunk in a river if I want.&nbsp; Be in touch with myself and be spontaneous.After all of the months of physical training, the moments at the Salkantay pass were few.&nbsp; What is sealed in mind and spirit is that wherever I am is the destination. In the words of Frederick Lehrman "Go lightly, simply.&nbsp; Too much seriousness clouds the soul.&nbsp; Just go, and follow the flowing moment.&nbsp; Try not to cling to any experience.&nbsp; The depths of wonder open of themselves."I will continue to walk at my own pace, discovering my own rhythm.&nbsp; This means slowing down in my daily life, giving myself breathing room with more emphasis on being a person than doing. It’s a work in process.Day 6: Lucmabamba to Aguas Calientes (1,900m/6,200ft)Head uphill towards Llactapata Pass (2,700m/8,900ft)First view of Machu Picchu in distanceLunch at Llactapata Ruins in view of Machu PicchuFinal descent to the Aobamba River - lush bamboo forests &amp; fernsTrain to Aguas CalientesApproximately 5 1/2 hours trekkinghttp://www.margieswebgallery.com/galleries/peru/MLPday6/
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Machu Picchu, Sacred Valley, Peru

<i>Preparation is part of the journey&nbsp;&nbsp;And so I prepared myself with a six-day training program put together by my wilderness sports training coach, Courtenay, from BodyResults.com. She successfully prepared me for high altitude trekking even though we live at sea level in Miami Beach.&nbsp;&nbsp; We used a combination of jump rope intervals, stair master, elliptical, treadmill with backpack, beach walks with backpack, strength training and pilates to get me physically prepared so that I could enjoy the days. Yes some portions were challenging, mostly I think because of the elevation.&nbsp; The Salkantay pass was the highest elevation I have ever been at, at 15,300 feet (other than being in a plane). I was able to enjoy each day of the trek.&nbsp; I knew I could do this trek and now I feel proud that I did.&nbsp;Day 5: &nbsp;Collpapampa to Lucma Lodge at Lucmabamba (2,150m/7,095ft)Hike downhill to the Santa Teresa River Valley - through coffee plantations, bananas, orchidsHot picnic lunch enroutePrivate vehicle takes us to the beginning of the "Llactapata Inca Trail"Hike to the Lucma Lodge, in an avocado orchardApproximately 6 hours trekkinghttp://www.margieswebgallery.com/galleries/peru/MLPday5/
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Machu Picchu, Sacred Valley, Peru

<i> This is a journey of adventure and comfort.The four mountain lodges offer creature comforts in spectacular settings. They include private rooms with private bathrooms and hot showers, high quality multi-course meals, outdoor hot tubs, reading areas.&nbsp; It's the little things that make a big difference.&nbsp; Like the welcome and friendliness of the staff, the knowledge and experience of our lead and assistant guides, having the support of two donkeys available for carrying stuff during the day and available for riding if desired, the welcome of a cook tent and a quality hot lunch on two of the long trekking days, the surprise of finding a hot water bottle under our sheets to warm our bed at night, the special care transporting my laptop and drying and cleaning our hiking boots as needed each night.&nbsp; Just a few examples.Day 4: &nbsp;Huayraccmachay to Colpa Lodge at Collpapampa (2,800m/9,200ft)Hike downhill above the Salkantay River with dramatic change in scenery"Pachamanca" style lunch (underground stone cooking)Approximately 4 hours trekkinghttp://www.margieswebgallery.com/galleries/peru/MLPday4/
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/journeyer/3/1252350743/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/journeyer/3/1252350743/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/journeyer/3/1252350743/tpod.html Mon, 07 Sep 2009 22:47:24 -0400 Sacred Valley & Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu with Mountain Lodges of Peru

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Machu Picchu, Sacred Valley, Peru

<i> <i>This is a journey with a purpose.When Harvey asked me if there was something that I wanted for my 60th birthday, I responded that I would really like to go on this trek with Mountain Lodges of Peru. &nbsp; My wanderlust has had Machu Picchu on my mind for many years.&nbsp; Yet in some crazy sort of way, I wanted to trek there. It's all part of feeling that I can still do this sort of physical thing at 60 years of age, but still have my creature comforts. And I acknowledge that I relished the idea of an alternative to hiking the crowded Inca Trail and camping.<i>Day 3: &nbsp;Soraypampa to Wayra Lodge at Huayraccmachay (3,850m/12,600ft)Big day! &nbsp;We hike up the Rio Blanco Valley, circling Humantay PeakThe highest point on the trek is the Salkantay Pass at 15,340 feetHot lunch enrouteApproximately 7 hours trekkinghttp://www.margieswebgallery.com/galleries/peru/MLPday3/
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Machu Picchu, Sacred Valley, Peru

<i>This is a journey of new horizons.I love going where I haven't been before. The experience invites me to see with new eyes, be open to new ideas, and inspires my curiosity. Our small group of 10 guests all shared an enthusiasm for nature, exercise, cultures, history and camaraderie. We represented a broad age range, from the 20's, 30’s, 40’s, 50’s and also a couple who were very physically fit at the age of 70, We walked, laughed, learned, and ate our way to our destination.Day 2: &nbsp;Soraypampa (3,800m/12,500ft)First immersion into high-mountain trekkingHalf day acclimatization trek to glacial lakeAfternoon at leisureApproximately 5 hours trekking http://www.margieswebgallery.com/galleries/peru/MLPday2/&nbsp;
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/journeyer/3/1252350180/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/journeyer/3/1252350180/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/journeyer/3/1252350180/tpod.html Mon, 07 Sep 2009 22:46:55 -0400 Sacred Valley & Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu with Mountain Lodges of Peru

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Machu Picchu, Cusco, Peru

<i>This is a journey.On the Lodge-to-Lodge Trek with Mountain Lodges of Peru, we trekked the "Salkantay Route", going from lodge to lodge in the Cordillera Vilcabamba, an awe inspiring Andean mountain range that includes the Sanctuary of Machu Picchu. The Salkantay Route is the path less trekked to Machu Picchu; we saw few other trekkers along the way, enhancing the feeling of wild scenery and expansive views.Including acclimatization and Machu Picchu, it is a 7-day experience. We signed up for the extension so that we had one additional night at the Inkaterra hotel in Aguas Caliente (total of 8 days). We also spent one week in the Sacred Valley before the trek getting additional acclimatization and experiencing more of Peru.&nbsp;The website for Mountain Lodges of Peru:&nbsp;http://www.mountainlodgesofperu.com/index_mpl.html &nbsp;Day 1: &nbsp;Cusco to Salkantay Lodge at Soraypampa (3,800m/12,500ft)Pick up at Cusco hotelStop at local market in town of TzcuchacaVisit Inca ruins of Tarawasi near LimatamboCoffee break in the mountain village of MollepataContinue on winding mountain road to MarcoccasaBegin trek to Soraypampa on an old route called the Royal PathOur first acclimatization trek is approximately 5 hourshttp://www.margieswebgallery.com/galleries/peru/MLPday1/
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/journeyer/3/1252350066/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/journeyer/3/1252350066/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/journeyer/3/1252350066/tpod.html Mon, 07 Sep 2009 22:46:42 -0400 Sacred Valley & Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu with Mountain Lodges of Peru

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Cusco, Peru

We meet Andrea at Mountain Lodges of Peru (MLP) today, walking over to the MLP office. Of course we walk right by the office building and get a little lost. We ended up going into two hotels for directions.&nbsp; I personally wanted to thank her for her prompt responses and assistance in the trip planning.&nbsp; We learned the reason why her written English is so good.&nbsp; She is from Vermont.&nbsp; We got some insight into living here in Peru.&nbsp; And as I was not feeling particularly well, we got some suggestions about local aides for digestive issues.&nbsp; I seem to have picked something up; maybe the lemonade I had at dinner last night wasn't made with bottled water.&nbsp; We thought it would be a good day for some people watching at the main square.&nbsp; Harvey counted 4 people coming up to us to sell us something in so many minutes.&nbsp; It became clear after about 5 minutes sitting at the main square, that I had better be closer to a bathroom.&nbsp; So we went back to our hotel.&nbsp; We had been moved to a suite at our hotel and from the bed I had a great view of the distant mountains. After a rest, I thought it was safe to go out for lunch.&nbsp; We tried a highly recommended Italian restaurant.&nbsp; Across from our table was another couple who we started to talk with.&nbsp; One piece of information led to another and in a matter of a few minutes we figured out that we had a mutual friend.&nbsp; Connections.&nbsp;&nbsp; And it reminded us how long it’s been since we have been in contact.&nbsp; We’ve got to rectify that when we get home.Tonight was our pre-trek briefing which was conveniently at our hotel. Miguel, our guide, seems experienced and organized.&nbsp; He answered my questions before I needed to ask them.&nbsp; I wrote down everyone’s names.&nbsp; The group is younger than we expected; we figure we have every decade covered from the late 20’s through age 70.&nbsp; Harvey &amp; I reaffirm to each other that we will walk at our own pace.&nbsp; I am so excited!&nbsp;&nbsp; Before going to sleep, we pack and re-pack the bags for the trek.&nbsp;&nbsp; Ready to go!http://www.margieswebgallery.com/galleries/peru/Cuscomainsquare/
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