Machu Picchu…and so much more

My family and I had the most amazing 11-day trip to Peru this summer. Since Peru is on a lot of Bucket Lists I thought it might be helpful to provide a snapshot of what we did in those 11 days. Peru is so diverse that we squeezed in some extremely different experiences but we still had to cut some major attractions (like the Nazca Lines and Lake Titicaca). Here are some highlights:

Day 1- A late arrival in Lima, airport hotel.
Day 2- Flew to Puerto Maldonado, transferred by road to the Tambopata River boat launch, then traveled by boat to our first river lodge. Lunch on the boat was fried rice, chicken, and plantains served in banana leaves. 
Day 3- Early wake up to climb the canopy tower and see the Amazon basin from above. Hiked to an oxbow lake and then boarded a boat to go even deeper into the Tambopata National Park.
Day 4- Sunrise on the river followed by a few hours at the giant macaw clay lick. 
Day 5- Returned the same way we arrived and flew through Lima to Cusco. Our late arrival had a bonus- the glorious starry night sky at high elevation. 
Day 6- Toured the Sacred Valley. Incan ruins, salt mines, incredible scenery, and a terrific guide.
Day 7- Spent the day at Lake Piuray where we got to experience a traditional Peruvian pachamanca meal and kayak and swim in the very chilly lagoon.
Day 8- We hiked to Machu Picchu – from km104 through the Incan Sun Gate. Incredible! 
Day 9- Not done yet….back to Cusco on the panoramic train.
Day 10- Visit to a local market (not many refrigerators or ovens in Peru so people shop daily, local, and fresh!) and then hiked to Rainbow Mountain (pictured). This was the only place we felt the altitude and boy did we feel it!
Day 11- Ran around Cusco’s fabulous stone streets buying souvenirs and saying goodbye to the city. Ceviche for lunch and we were off.

I am happy to share more details or plan a trip for you. You can reach me at: julie@peacefrogstravel.com.