I spent the past 2 days writing and re-writing the intro to this blog. But after countless edits, it still didn't feel right. So I woke up this morning knowing that in order to salvage this post, I had to highlight everything, then press "delete". Buh-bye. Starting fresh is completely cathartic,
yet equally upsetting since I could have used that time wisely instead of stressing incessantly about this update. Never again. Senseless worrying is not what Myra 2.0 is all about. Instead, it's about carefree exploration whether I'm enjoying nature, sampling local delicacies, hobnobbing with locals, or covering every inch of Peruvian soil.
So in the spirit of my newfound, unfettered lifestyle, I offer the following videos showcasing my incredible 8-day Peruvian trek. I covered plenty of ground traveling from Lima to Lake Titicaca so these mini segments are not as comprehensive as I would like them to be. But they will have to suffice as brief, visual recaps of my recent South American adventure.
Happy viewing!
Lima y Cusco: So many incredible tourist spots are featured in this vignette including Indian Market, Huaca Pucllana, Larco Mar, Parque del Amor, Plaza Mayor, Cusco Solar Garden, Sacsayhuaman, and Plaza de Armas. My favorite segment includes tourists sliding down Incan rock formations with childlike abandon. Weeeeee!
Sacred Valley of the Incas: My full day tour began with a wool/textile weaving demonstration at the Balcon del Inka in Chinchero and continues to other beautifully preserved landmarks such as Moray (pre-Incan terraces) and Ollantaytambo (ancient Incan fortress and temple). Try climbing up 200+ stone steps while waiting for altitude meds to kick in. That's exactly what I did, and it was so worth it!
Machu Picchu: This was the most highly anticipated part of my journey since it occupied the #1 spot on my travel to-do list for nearly a decade. Footage (compiled using a 70s home movie filter) covers my journey from Ollantaytambo to breathtaking Machu Picchu. Best day of my life? It definitely comes close!
From Cusco to Puno: A 10-hour bus ride can't be that bad especially when there are scenic stops along the way. Includes brief footage of Andahuaylillas, Raqchi Ruins, Pukara, and the highest point between these 2 locales - La Raya. I may have been napping somewhere in between. Shhh....don't tell anyone.
Lake Titicaca: My high school Spanish teacher would be very proud. He was the first to introduce this popular lake to our Freshman class many years ago, and I have been giggling ever since. Day 7 was the most memorable since I interacted with members of the Uros tribe (Floating Islands) and ate lunch prepared by a Taquelinos family on Taquile Island. I even saw Bolivia along the horizon as I made my way via speed boat to various disembarkation points.
Puno y Sillustani: My excursion ended with a tour of Puno City and the Sillustani stone burial site with my awesome Condor Travel guide, Lily. Favorite segment includes impromptu marches on Lima Street with locals sporting traditional costumes.
I wish I could have captured additional footage showing that I was clearly at the right place, at the perfect time during 2 significant occasions.
Memorable moment #1: I was eating dinner at my Cusco hotel when Peru scored the winning goal against highly-favored Brazil. An hour earlier, my taxi driver told me that there was no way Peru would win this Copa America game, and they did!
Memorable moment #2: I arrived in Peru during their presidential elections. Ballots were still being counted since the vote was split 50/50. I just happened to be climbing the Huaca Huallamarca in Lima the day the president was officially chosen. When I reached the top of the Incan Pyramid, I looked down in full view of the newly appointed president's home. Wondered why my tour guide started taking photos. Now I know. Of course, I followed suit.
It would have been equally priceless to capture my expression on camera when a group of European tourists mistook me for their Machu Picchu tour guide. Wish the GoPro was strapped to my head when these fleeting moments occurred since I can't possibly replicate them. Ay Caramba!
So many indelible memories, and I have Trip Masters International to thank for each and every one of them. If you're interested in leaving itinerary planning (airport pick up, ticket purchases, hotel bookings, and more) in the very capable hands of travel professionals, click here. I didn't have to worry about a single detail since I was taken care of from the second I arrived. That's what the ultimate, worry-free lifestyle is all about.
Viva pisco sours...I mean, viva Peru!
Note: Photo highlights are located on my Eat Drink and Be Myra Facebook page.
*Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”