Peru

Posted on by leftwithlouie

The last week has been one full of adventure and discovery. I visited the ruins of Machu Picchu, realising a dream I have held since I was a boy. I have spent years reading Tin Tin comics, poring over articles and looking at photographs of the Incan stronghold high in the Andes, but none of that prepared me for seeing this place in person.

Before reaching Machu Picchu, we made our way from the Bolivian border near Lake Titicaca to the Incan capital of Cusco. Along the way we visited floating villages and small island communities in rural Peru. We spent a night with a local family in a homestay where we ate potato soup, potato stew and baked potatoes. Needless to say, I have had my fill of potato!

Arriving in Cusco, I was overcome with the beauty of the buildings, the city and the people living in it. The historical centre contains preserved Incan ruins, Spanish churches as grand as any that can be found in Europe and an emerging food culture that reinvigorated my tastebuds after the two day potato assault.

Following are some of my favourite photos from the past week. In taking photos, my hope is to not only preserve a small moment in time but to do justice to the places I visit. Whether you are reading this post while sitting at your desk searching for inspiration for your next trip or just in passing, I hope you enjoy.

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We woke up at 4:30am to get to Machu Picchu before the crowds. As the early morning turned into day, the mist cleared.
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A small floating island in the middle of Lake Titicaca. This island is home to a family of 15 people.
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This is Sumita, the youngest member of the family who live on the floating island.
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Incan ruins in the mountains overlooking the town of Ollantaytambo.
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Cusco.
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It took me a long time to get this shot of Machu Picchu without the hordes of tourists in it.
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Machu Picchu.
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Some friendly locals on the Lares trek.
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Incan doorway.
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Machu Picchu before the mid-morning tourist onslaught.

 

 

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