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Barbara, Beverly and John at the Lima Airport July 1.2004 Lima Peru |
 Mate de Coca tea, the 'cure' for altitude sickness July 2, 2004, Cusco Peru
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 Two very friendly parrots at the Hostal El Balcon July 2, 2004, Cusco Peru
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 Our room at the Hostal El Balcon. 5 alpaca blankets are piled on the bed! July 2, 2004, Cusco Peru
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 The Hostal El Balcon July 2, 2004, Cusco Peru |
 Plaza de Armas on a rainy Saturday afternoon July 3, 2004, Cusco Peru
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 Another view of the Plaza de Armas, taxis are the only autos we saw in the Plaza July 3, 2004, Cusco Peru
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 Narrow side streets in Cusco July 3, 2004, Cusco Peru |
 Cusco is much larger than we expected. Homes spill into the surrounding mountains. July 3, 2004, Cusco Peru |
 Countryside above Cusco July 4, 2004, Cusco Peru
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 Qenko ruins (above Cusco), a sacred Inca sight July 4, 2004, Cusco Peru
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 John, Beverly and Barbara visit Sacsayhuaman July 4, 2004, Cusco Peru
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 The largest stone in Sacsayhuaman. We wondered how the Incas moved this 'rock' July 4, 2004, Cusco Peru
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 Zigzagging fortress walls of Sacsayhuaman, the mouth of the Puma July 4, 2004, Cusco Peru |
 Beverly, John and Barbara overlooking Cusco from a vantage point at Sacsayhuaman July 4, 2004, Cusco Peru
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 John and Beverly in an Inca doorway, the ruins of Sacsayhuaman July 4, 2004, Cusco Peru
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 Looking down on the Plaza de Armas from the Sacsayhuaman ruins. The Sunday parade has gathered in the plaza July 4, 2004, Cusco Peru
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 Yet another incredible view of Cusco from Sacsayhuaman July 4, 2004, Cusco Peru |
 The bull, rooster and cross ornament found on most roofs in the Sacred Valley. This one was found on the porch of the Inca House restaurant July 4, 2004, Cusco Peru
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 Beverly and John acting silly. Inca photo cutouts at the Inca House restaurant July 4, 2004, Cusco Peru |
 Pulling out the reading glasses, from left...Diane, Will, John and Barbara (with hat). Inside the Inca House restaurant. July 4, 2004, Cusco Peru
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 On the road to Pisac, looking into the Sacred Valley July 4, 2004, Sacred Valley Peru
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 On the road to Pisac, Campesino carrying corn husks from the fields July 4, 2004, Sacred Valley Peru
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 Looking down toward the Sacred Valley and the Rio Urbamba July 4, 2004, Sacred Valley
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 Pisac, from the mountains high above the city. The Pisac ruins are visible on the mountain behind the village July 4, 2004, Sacred Valley
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 From left, Barbara, Will, Diane and John entering the Pisac market July 4, 2004, Pisac Market
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 Beverly looking at textiles in the market. After looking around, she bought the piece she is holding July 4, 2004, Pisac Market
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 An array of beautiful fruit July 4, 2004, Pisac Market
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 The produce section of the market. Incredible fruits, vegetables and herbs for sale July 4, 2004, Pisac Market
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 Will buying a bag of coca leaves for our upcoming trek, 1/sole July 4, 2004, Pisac Market
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 Oranges, apples, grapes and some really different looking bananas July 4, 2004, Pisac Market
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 Local women doing their shopping, at this stand, cilantro is for sale July 4, 2004, Pisac Market
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 Church in the Plaza in San Salvador July 4, 2004, San Salvador Peru |
 Flags flying in the Plaza July 4, 2004, San Salvador Peru
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 Barbara, John and our driver walking the main street in San Salvador. Political graffiti on the walls July 4, 2004, San Salvador Peru
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 Finally we are back in Cusco, sunset from our hotel balcony July 4, 2004, Cusco Peru
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 Getting organized at mile marker 82. Freddy, our guide is in the green shirt, Barbara in lavender in the left corner July 5, 2004, Inca Trail Trek, Day 1
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 Welcome to the Inca Trail, the adventure begins July 5, 2004, Inca Trail Trek, Day 1
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 A very nondescript sign announcing the trail, the beginning of an amazing journey. July 5, 2004, Inca Trail Trek, Day 1
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 The first checkpoint on the trail, trekking tickets and passports are required July 5, 2004, Inca Trail Trek, Day 1
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 Our first rest stop. We were surprised to find that soft drinks, candy and snacks were offered for sale. July 5, 2004 Inca Trail Trek, Day 1
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 Our first ruins of the day, the complex of Llactapata July 5, 2004, Inca Trail Trek, Day 1 |
 A small group of homes along the Inca Trail July 5, 2004, Inca Trail Trek, Day 1 |
 A resting spot for villagers and hikers in the center of a tiny village along the trail. July 5, 2004, Inca Trail Trek, Day 1 |
 "Shopping Center" Are they kidding with the Visa and Master Card? We don't think so but didn't pull out our credit card to find out July 5, 2004, Inca Trail Trek, Day 1 |
 Campsite 1 at Wayllabamba, about 9850'. Our group and a couple hundred other campers.. July 5, 2004, Inca Trail Trek, Day 1
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 Us at the end of our first day on the Inca Trail...incredible! July 5, 2004, Inca Trail Trek, Day 1 |
 John rolling a coca leaf "chew" in preparation for the most difficult day on the trail. July 6, 2004, Inca Trail Trek, Day 2 |
 Day 2 begins as a rolling trail, the mountains we will cross can be seen in the distance July 6, 2004, Inca Trail Trek, Day 2
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 Bromeliads growing in a trees. We are hiking through a 'forest microclimate' July 6, 2004, Inca Trail Trek, Day 2 |
 The trail hosts hundreds of trekkers every day. July 6, 2004,Inca Trail Trek, Day 2
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 Lunch stop. Our group is standing to the left. July 6, 2004, Inca Trail Trek, Day 2
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 You gotta love the rest stops with drinks and snacks for sale! July 6, 2004, Inca Trail Trek, Day 2
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 Last steps to Dead Woman's Pass, almost 14,000'. This is the first snow in almost 20 years. July 6, 2004, Inca Trail Trek, Day 2
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 We made it!! July 6, 2004, Inca Trail Trek, Day 2 |
 The Knoxville 5 plus Freddy, our guide at the top of Dead Woman's Pass. From left Freddy, Will, Diane, John, Beverly and Barbara July 6, 2004, Inca Trail Trek, Day 2 |
 Our entire group on Dead Woman's Pass. Countries represented: USA, Canada, Great Britain, Scotland and Hong Kong. July 6, 2004, Inca Trail Trek, Day 2
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 Porters playing in the snow on Dead Woman's Pass. Many were experiencing snow for the first time. It was a snowman, snowball and photo kinda day! July 6, 2004, Inca Tail Trek, Day 2
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 Into the fog! The trail winding down the backside of Dead Woman's Pass. July 6, 2004, Inca Trail Trek, Day 2 |
 Beverly and Barbara headed toward camp. July 6, 2004, Inca Trail Trek, Day 2
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 Snow turns to rain and fog. The trail leading from Dead Woman's Pass to our 2nd night's camp, rocky and slick. July 6, 2004, Inca Trail Trek, Day 2
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 Inca trail leading past the Valley of Pacamayo. The Andes are incredibly mysterious looking in the fog. July 6, 2004, Inca Trail Trek, Day 2
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 Campsite #2 The fog lifted and we watched with fascination as the clouds shifted and changed, revealing glimpses of distant mountains. July 6, 2004, Inca Trail Trek, Day 2
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 Our assistant guide, Julian Perez, "The Rooster" as his fellow guides call him. We wondered about this name but learned that the title refers to his hair. July 6, 2004, Inca Trail Trek, Day 2
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 Shared borders! Our tents at campsite # 2, 12,600' July 6, 2004, Inca Trail Trek, Day 2 |
 Dinner...a vegetable omelet, plantains, and flat bread. July 2, 2004, Inca Trail Trek, Day 2 |
 In the dinner tent. From left Barbara, Adam, Julie and Anna. One of our porters is standing behind Anna July 6, 2004, Inca Trail Trek, Day 2
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 Definitely our coldest night! From left, John, Will, Diane and someone hidden is a wool hat! :-) July 6, 2004, Inca Trail Trek, Day 2
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 Finally, a sunny warm day! Looking back at Runkuracay ruins, on the way to the 2nd pass. July 7, 2004, Inca Trail Trek, Day 3
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 Beautiful highlands grasses near the Runquracay Pass July 7, 2004, Inca Trail Trek, Day 3
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 View from Runquracay Pass. July 7, 2004, Inca Trail Trek, Day 3 |
 Another view from the pass. Clouds moving from the valley up the mountain July 7, 2004, Inca Trail Trek, Day 3
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 Freddy (on the right) with friend and guide from another group, posing for the camera July 7, 2004, Inca Trail Trek, Day 3
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 John and Beverly on Runquracay Pass July 7, 2004, Inca Trail Trek, Day 3 |
 Sayacmarca ruins, built on a rock overlooking the trail. The ruins are accessible by a narrow stone staircase. July 7, 2004, Inca Trail Trek, Day 3
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 Another view of Sayacmarca July 7, 2004, Inca Trail Trek, Day 3 |
 Listening to Freddy describe the ruins on the steps of Sayacmarca. From left (visible faces) John, Ricky, Vince, Carlos, Jason, Anna, Diane and Will (standing) July 7, 2004, Inca Trail Trek, Day 3
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 The trail terrain changes from highlands to rain forest. The fog has moved in again, no surprise here! July7, 2004, Inca Trail Trek, Day 3
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 Ricky and Wilson hiking through the forest. This is a particularly beautiful piece of the trail, but oh those 2000 steps! July 7, 2004, Inca Trail Trek, Day 3
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 This is just one of many spectacular shots we took of flowers in the rain forest. We saw everything from bamboo to orchids July 7, 2004, Inca Trail Trek, Day 3 |
 One of the wonderful dishes we were served on this trek, this one served at lunch on day 3....Peruvian potatoes with grated cheese. Yum, yum! July 7, 2004, Inca Trail Trek, Day 3 |
 A staple at our table, cucumbers and tomatoes. Our food was always well presented! July 7, 2004, Inca Trail Trek, Day 3
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 An Inca tunnel along the trail. We passed through several tunnels on the third day July 4, 2004, Inca Trail Trek, Day 3
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 Caught in a blink! One of John's favorite pictures July 7, 2004, Inca Trail Trek, Day 3
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 The clouds playing games with the mountain peaks July 7, 2004, Inca Trail Trek, Day 3
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 Our final dinner at Winaywayna, Camp 3 From left, Julian (barely visible), Vince, Barbara, Claire, Jonathon, Julie, Adam, John, Beverly, Will, Diane, Carlos, Ricky and Wilson. July 7, 2004, Inca Trail Trek, Day 3
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 Freddy introducing the porters and providing us the chance to express our deep appreciation for their efforts on our behalf. July 7, 2004, Inca Trail Trek, Day 3 |
 Carlos "the orator" expressing the group's appreciate to our porters. Carlos, of course, speaks fluent Spanish. Good job Carlos and thanks SAS! July 7, 2004, Inca Trail Trek, Day 3
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 Very broad switchbacks make up the road between Machu Picchu and Aquas Calientes July 8, 2004, Inca Trail Trek, Day 4
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 Watching the sunrise over the ruins is definitely not a solitary experience. We shared the event with about 500 other people. Julie (scarf) and Adam are in the front with Ricky and Wilson beside them. Carlos is further back (with white hat) July 8, 2004, Inca Trail Trek, Day 4
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 The classic picture of Machu Picchu with Una Picchu and Huayna Picchu (tall mountain to the right). July 8, 2004, Machu Picchu Trek, Day 4
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 Beverly and John just after sunrise at Machu Picchu! A never to be forgotten view July 8, 2004, Machu Picchu Trek, Day 4
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 A slightly different view of Machu Picchu July 8, 2004, Machu Picchu Trek, Day 4 |
 Several of the guardian houses (residences for farmers) lining the terraces of the agricultural sector July 8, 2004, Machu Picchu Trek, Day 4
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 The Guardhouse located above the upper agricultural terraces. The view is spectacular! July 8, 2004, Machu Picchu Trek, Day 4 |
 Freddy talking to our group about mystical Machu Picchu July 8, 2004, Machu Picchu Trek, Day 4 |
 Our first llama sighting was pretty exciting. We didn't tire of watching or taking pictures of these animals living in Machu Picchu July 8, 2004, Machu Picchu Trek, Day 4 |
 It is almost impossible to take a bad picture in Machu Picchu. A quick point and shoot yields color, shape, form and shadow. July 8, 2004, Machu Picchu Trek, Day 4
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 A classic llama photo. The llamas congregated on the agricultural terraces and near the rock quarry. July 8, 2004, Machu Picchu Trek, Day 4 |
 A long staircase ruins from the Eastern Urban Sector down to the Artisans' Wall (not visible). Yanantin Mountain is the pointed mountain to the right. July 8, 2004, Machu Picchu Trek, Day 4
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 Another incredible view, framed in the foreground by the gardens of Machu Picchu. July 8, 2004, Machu Picchu Trek, Day 4 |
 One of the most recognizable sights in Machu Picchu, the Temple of the Three Windows. The windows look down on the main plaza. July 8, 2004, Machu Picchu Trek, Day 4
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 Looking through one of the windows in the Temple of the Three Windows, at the Eastern Urban Sector July 8, 2004, Machu Picchu Trek, Day 4
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 Looking at the Urban Sector from yet another location in Machu Picchu. Purucusi Mountain is the odd shaped mountain in the background. Further back, the mountains of the Urubamba Valley July 8, 2004, Machu Picchu Trek, Day 4 |
 Looking up from the Temple of the Condor. July 8, 2004, Machu Picchu Trek, Day 4 |
 Located in the Temple of the Condor, the flat carved condor rock. July 8, 2004, Machu Picchu Trek, Day 4 |
 Llamas on the move, tourist follow behind July 8, 2004, Machu Picchu Trek, Day 4
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 The Temple of the Three Windows, gazing on the outer wall from the main plaza. July 8, 2004, Machu Picchu Trek, Day 4
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 Behind the ruins, Yanantin Mountain stands out with its distinctive shape July 8, 2004, Machu Picchu Trek, Day 4
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 In this photo, the ruins are overshadowed by the stark beauty of sacred Purucusi Mountain July 8, 2004, Machu Picchu Trek, Day 4
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 A truly spectacular place to visit! July 8, 2004, Machu Picchu Trek, Day 4
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 Relaxing in the Plaza July 8, 2004, Machu Picchu Trek, Day 4
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 Our farewell luncheon, hosted by SAS, included musicians. These guys played wind pipes, guitar and a Peruvian mandolin We brought wind instrument music home to enjoy! July 8, 2004, Aquas Calientes
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 Lunch at Hostal Viajeros in Aquas Calientes. From left, Freddy, Julian, Claire, Anna, Jonathon, Carlos July 8, 2004, Aquas Calientes |
 From the right: John, Will, Barbara and Vince July 8, 2004, Aquas Calientes
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 Our group statesman, Carlos, expressing the group's appreciation to Freddy and Julian for the experience of a lifetime and their participation in making it so! The look on Freddy's face is a typical Freddy expression! July 8, 2004, Aquas Calientes
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 John strolling on the main street for shops and restaurants in Aquas Calientes. Although our guide book described the village as a "scar on the mountainside", we found it quite charming! July 8, 2004, Aquas Calientes
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 Another view of shops in Aquas Calientes July 8, 2004, Aquas Calientes
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 Restaurants and internet cafes along the railroad tracks. The tracks are the center of commerce in Aquas Calientes. July 8, 2004, Aquas Calientes
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 The backpacker train coming into Aquas Calientes. Our hostal is the salmon colored building on the left. Barbara is looking out the second story window. July 8, 2004, Aquas Calientes
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 The train engineer surprised us with an invitation to have his picture taken with John. We were all amused! July 8, 2004, Aquas Calientes
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 Barbara hanging out the window at the Presidente Hostal July 8, 2004, Aquas Calientes |
 The rail station in Ollantaytabmo. We took the 5:45 am backpacker train from Aquas Calientes to Ollantaytambo. July 9, 2004, Ollantaytambo
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 The market at the train station in Ollantaytambo July 9, 2004, Ollantaytambo
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 An interesting motorized method of transportation, a converted motorcycle. Reminded me of the Thai tuk tuk July 9, 2004, Ollantaytambo
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 The street leading from the rail station to the village. Our hotel is behind the rockwall on the right, the entrance is located at the flag. July 9, 2004, Ollantaytambo
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An oasis, the grounds of the Hotel Pakaritampu July 9, 2004, Ollantaytambo
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 Our building in the hotel compound. We had the room on the left side, second floor with the balcony July 9, 2004, Ollantaytambo
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 Llamas living in the courtyard of the hotel. These guys had really sweet faces! July 9, 2004, Ollantaytambo
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 Nestled in a valley, the village of Ollantaytambo.as viewed from the Ollantaytambo ruins July 9, 2004, Ollantaytambo
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 The ruins once served as an Incan temple and a fortress against the Spanish. The original structure was built in the shape of a llama. This section is considered part of the head of the llama. July 9, 2004, Ollantaytambo
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 The Ollantaytambo site was the only fortress in which the Incans defeated the Spanish. John surveying the village below and the surrounding mountains. July 9, 2004, Ollantaytambo
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 Some of the ruins that make up the Temple of the Sun, a part of the llama's head. July 9, 2004. Ollantaytambo
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 John in an Incan doorway at the ruins of Ollantaytambo July 9, 2004, Ollantaytambo
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 John sitting on an Incan altar?!, waiting for Beverly to finishing exploring every inch of the ruins. July 9, 2004, Ollantaytambo |
 The market (mostly food) in the Plaza de Armas in Ollantaytambo. Lots of fresh fruit, vegetables and cheese. July 9, 2004, Ollantaytambo
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 Wheels of cheese for sale in the market. The cheese has a mild flavor and was sprinkled on most of the potato dishes that we were served. July 9, 2004, Ollantaytambo
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 The Inca sight of Maray, a set of experimental agricultural terraces. According to literature that we read, the microclimate within this site can simulate an entire mountain. July 10, 2004, Moray |
 John walking down the steps between the terraces. We were fascinated that the steps were built so solidly into the stone wall. July 10, 2004, Moray
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 Beverly coming down the same steps. Rumulo, our taxi driver is standing to the left...steady as she goes! July 10, 2004, Moray |
 Beverly, Barbara and Romulo. We had a great trip from Ollantaytambo to Cusco with Romulo. He knew about 10 words of English and we knew about 5 of Spanish, nevertheless, we talked all day. July 10, 2004, Moray |
 The salt flats of Maras created by springs of warm water that are saturated with salt. Springs are directed into pools to evaporate the water and collect the salt. July 10, 2004, Moras (Salineras de Maras)
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 A closer picture of the salt flats. We read that salt was the major commodity produced by the Inca Empire, used in rituals, as part of the diet and for drying and salting meat. July 10, 2004, Moras
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 John and Barbara looking at fabrics in the small market on the path to the ancient Chinchero church. The market is said to be very impressive on Sunday, market day. July 10, 2004, Chinchero
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 The Spanish catholic church was built on the foundations of Incan ruins. July 10, 2004, Chinchero
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 From left: Romulo, John and Barbara walking toward a field where some of the village women were drying potatoes in the sun. July 10, 2004, Chinchero |
 The pretty village of Chinchero, "Town of the Rainbow" with the snowcapped Andes in the distance July 10, 2004, Chinchero |
 The red plastic signals that the home or establishment displaying the flag sells chicha (maize wine). We saw this signal everywhere including on the Inca Trail. One piece of literature we read calls chicha the "champagne of the Incas." We think it sounds more like the moonshine of east TN. July 10, 2004, Chinchero
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 Alas, our last stop, Cusco. The Plaza de Armas. the Compania (Jesuits Church) and the Plaza fountain July10, 2004, Cusco |
 Another view of the Jesuits Church. On the few sunny days we experienced, the clouds put on an incredible show, always moving and changing shapes. July 10, 2004, Cusco |
 Incan walls just off the Plaza in Cusco. July 10, 2004, Cusco |
 Every Sunday there is a parade in the Plaza de Armas, mostly school children, police, military and persons of importance. July 11, 2004, Cusco
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 School children in the parade. Notice the 3 wheeled cart on the left. We saw these carts in every town, used as a method to move goods from place to place. July 11, 2004
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 And the band plays on....military band in the parade. July 11, 2004, Cusco |
 Beverly taking her final walk "up the hill" to the hostal to prepare for a mid-morning flight to Lima. July 11, 2004, Cusco
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 "Love Park" in Lima. A statue to love and love was goin' on all around the park. From what we saw, open affection is common is Lima. July 11, 2004, Lima
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 A pier in the Pacific Ocean with restaurant. Surfers were out in wet suits. We understand the greyness of the city is typical this time of year. July 11, 2004, Lima
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 Parachuters coming in over the Pacific July 11, 2004, Lima |
 The modern streets of Lima, city built by the Spanish July 11, 2004, Lima |
 John, Barbara and our guide walking back to the car after our visit to the church of San Francisco. The catacombs in the church are an experience never to be forgotten! July 11, 2004, Lima
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 Fountain in the Plaza in front of the church of San Francisco. July 11, 2004, Lima |
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