For some inexplicable reason, most of the time that I imagine traveling around the globe, I think of visiting Europe, Asia, or North Africa. I suppose my brain tends to think more in terms of latitude than longitude. Who knows. I haven’t even been to Mexico, so I don’t know how I forget about all of the undiscovered (by me) beauty that lies to the south. One place that is on top of my travel list in South America is Machu Picchu.
Is it something about the weight of the ancient Incan site? There is certainly a sacred beauty to the place. Does part of me want to visit because of a certain Disney movie (The Emperor’s New Groove, anyone?!)? I don’t really care why, I just want to go see it for myself. Once again, the site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. While in Peru, I think I’d try to stay outside of the Machu Picchu area because, unfortunately, the tourism surrounding the site has caused overdevelopment in the area. Hopefully those in control of the site and nearby area will be able to preserve this visually stunning part of history without compromising its future.
(Side note: just look at this amazing masonry technique. Stunning).
I would probably begin the journey in Lima, Peru. I’d then travel to Machu Picchu and explore Cuzco. If possible, I’d love to finish the trip in Puno for the Fiesta de la Virgen de la Candelaria. While there, I’d explore Lake Titicaca and finally journey to Arequipa. In Arequipa, I’d take in some of southern Peru’s culture, check out its three volcanoes, and depart back to the U.S.
The trip overall seems like quite a trek. But, hey, I’m only dreaming…
V
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