It has been a week since I left Peru and during this time I have been reflecting on my trip. It is surprising though how quickly your trip fades from your memory. This is why I put together the following list of highlights and lowlights of my trip. If you are planning on going to Peru, I hope that you experience at least a few of the highlights listed below.
Highlights
- Alpacas
So incredibly cute; they taste great too!
- Mountains
The jagged peaks of Ollanta, the volcanoes of Arequipa, the snow capped peaks overlooking the Sacred Valley, and as below – the mountains surrounding Macchu Picchu.
- Juanita
I enjoyed learning about Juanita and seeing her at the Arequipa Museum. Juanita is the mummy discovered close to Arequipa. It was fascinating!
- Colca Canyon
This was a great trip! The scenery leading to Colca Canyon was incredible and the Canyon scenery even more so. The majestic Condors were a sight to remember.
- Chivay
I just loved this village in Colca. It was such an authentic Peruvian experience.
- Santa Catalina Monastery – Arequipa
Wandering through the different gardens, and viewing the wall paintings that had incredibly vibrant colors.
- Pisac
Loved Pisac! The Pisac Inn and hiking through the Pisac Ruins made my stay a memorable one.
- Looking up at the birds
I miss looking up at the sky and not seeing the large variety of majestic birds that I saw in Peru.
- Inti Raymi
The best part of staying in Cusco was watching the Inti Raymi festival; especially hiking to Sacsayhuamán to see the main part of the festival.
- Beautiful children
Peruvian children are so cute!
- Happy locals
(Oops! Sorry! wrong photo) Here are the happy locals:
Okay, maybe more on the left, then the right!
- Stumbling upon festivals
It was wonderful walking along and suddenly coming across a festival or procession.
- Hiking in Ollanta
The hikes were amazing; hiking along the river and through the mountains. Best of all was passing the Andean locals on the way into town, in traditional dress.
- Inca Cola
Yum! Peruvian fizzy drink that tastes like bubble gum.
Lowlights
- Counterfeit notes
Yep, I unknowingly received a 50 Soles counterfeit note from a vendor. Worst part was unknowingly passing it to a taxi driver and appearing as a dishonest tourist (when he handed it back to me).
One of these is the counterfeit note I unknowingly received. Which one is the fake?
- Flight to & back from Peru
One word, awful! It was long, and the airline “Air Chance” was not the best, to say the least.
- Tour groups
Sacred Valley has hordes of tourists traveling in large tour buses. This can take the magic away a little.
- Cusco
Sorry, we did not bond
- Killing a cow
Hitting a cow head on whilst on a train on the way to Aguas Calientes. Will not forget that one.
Peru was such a wonderful country and it gave me all that I was looking for in a travel experience. A country known for its culture, mountains, beautiful people and Macchu Picchu! A country that truly has to be on everyones bucket list.
July 23, 2012 at 9:04 am
Nice one. I suppose the peru hangover is still lingering.
http://www.rajniranjandas.blogspot.com
July 23, 2012 at 3:22 pm
I worked in a hostel for a month in Cusco and I can see why it didn’t grow on you, it definitely requires some time as you need to get beyond the tourist aspect of it. I was fortunate because I worked with locals so they took me to places I wouldn’t have known about otherwise.
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July 24, 2012 at 6:00 pm
You are fortunate that you were able to see Cusco in a different light. I must admit, its not all bad in Cusco though as I really enjoyed wandering around the San Blas area and the Mercados.
July 30, 2012 at 5:10 am
My sister when to Peru and absolutely loved it! I have heard other good reports about it too so wouldn’t mind checking it out one day.
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July 30, 2012 at 5:56 pm
@spencer I am pleased that your sister enjoyed Peru – its a wonderful country. I hope you visit soon too!
January 6, 2013 at 8:58 pm
How can you not love Cusco. It’s an amazing place. We spent several months there during 2011-2012 and really loved it. Granted there are a lot of tourists but it’s all part of the picture. Our experience of the Plaza de Armas was very different. I love that place, day and night. It’s magical sitting there looking up at the skyline and soaking up the atmosphere. Many many locals also frequent this plaza. Try it some time on Xmas Eve – such a different experience from peak tourist season. Like you, we loved Ollantaytambo and the walks around there, but we discovered similar walking opportunities around Cusco. There’s much more to explore so we’ll be returning to Cusco.
January 14, 2013 at 2:22 pm
Judy, I think I am in the minority on not liking Cusco. Not sure why I took such a dislike to it. As mentioned, I felt that I could not get into the true peruvian culture there due to the many tourists. It did not help that I came from a place (arequipa) which I absolutely loved. What I did enjoy in Cusco was the Inti Raymi festival and just relaxing in the main square. Im glad you posted and provide a positive spin on the area!
March 14, 2013 at 3:11 pm
Hi Elle! I have just arrived in Ollantaytambo and am loving it here! I don’t think 2 days is enough time to explore this little beauty of a village. Thank you so much for giving it such a rave review that influenced my decision to come straight here as soon as I landed at the Cuzco airport.
Cheers,
Siti
March 14, 2013 at 7:40 pm
Hi Siti – Isn’t it great! I have to agree that two days is not enough, but its better than none! Be sure to do the great hikes in the area. Where are you staying? Enjoy!
March 14, 2013 at 9:57 pm
Hi Elle,
I’m staying KB hostal. Spent the past 5 hours exploring the ruins just behind the hostel (Pinkylluna) and the main one where lots of tourists go. Much prefer the first one! Tomorrow I’m heading to Moray & Pisac before heading to Cusco.
Cheers,
Siti