An Incan Experience

Two weeks ago my family and I went on a trip to Machu Picchu (#14 on our list of Top 100 Sights), it was a blast! The car ride to Ollantaytambo was one hour long, the train to Aguas Calientes was one hour and a half, and the bus ride to Machu Picchu was 30 minutes. At Aguas Calientes we found a guide, his name was Franco, and went on the bus to Machu Picchu.

Train from Ollantaytambo to Agra’s Calientes

Me and my Dad on the train

First we walked up a big set of stairs then we went to see some llamas. After that we went to see the ruins and houses of Machu Picchu and other historic stones and rooms. My favorite part was the Temple of the Condor.

Me and my Mom in front of Machu Picchu (and some fog)

Me and a llama

The whole experience took about six hours but it was fun. Now I am going to explain everything in the next paragraph. But first, I will explain where we were staying. When we went to Machu Picchu we were staying in Calca, Cusco, Peru.

Me and my brother

Us again

First we got in a taxi to Ollantaytambo, then we got on a train to Aguas Calientes, then we got on a bus to Machu Picchu along with our guide. We walked up a big staircase and then we got to the top of Machu Picchu. Our guide explained about llamas and other things while we took pictures.

A better view

Our guide Franco

After we saw the llamas we went down to the bigger part of Machu Picchu where we learned about things that show different patterns when the sun is shining on it. And then my favorite part!

The Temple of the Condor (my favourite part)

All of us at the top

On the edge

List of favorite things. Wendy: the train ride; Caleb: the water mirrors; Robin: the view from the top; Kieran: the temple of the Condor

 

Ecuador/Galapagos Islands

Quito

In Quito we didn’t do much because we were only there for four days but at least we did something. We went on a walk to see different things that helped Ecuador claim Independence. On the second day we went on an adventure up to the top of a mountain and went to a museum on the Equator, I thought that was cool. On the third and pretty much final day we went to the park: we went paddle boating, walking and taking pictures. I enjoyed our stay in Quito I recommend it to travelers looking for somewhere to go.

Me, on the Equator

San Cristobal

In San Cristobal we walked around, went to a museum and walked to a beach to swim and watch the sunset. On day two we went snorkeling at Kicker Rock. That was pretty much it. Did you know that the Galapagos Islands were made from volcanoes?

Playing with the Sea Lions on San Cristobal

Isabela

On the first day on Isabela we went to a five star restaurant (or at least that’s what the sign out front said!). The next day we split up and me and my mom went to Los Tuneles and Caleb and my Dad went to Tintoreras. All of us went to the wetlands to see the flamingos, but not all together at the same time. I thought that Isabela was the best island. My favourite part was seeing penguins.

Getting to see penguins was the best!

Santa Cruz

On the first day we did nothing at all but on day two we bought ice cream and went to Tortuga Bay. On the third day mom and Caleb went diving. On the last two days we did nothing. My favourite part was doing nothing.

I ate a local lunch with my mom and I actually liked it!

Kieran’s pre-departure thoughts (posted a little late)

THE TRIP!

How I feel about the trip:

OK, here is how I and I only, feel about the trip. Well I’m kinda 50/50 between excited and nervous. So this is my document and I will explain everything and I mean everything.

Things I’m excited about

1. The experience.
2. The traveling.
3. the fun.
4. the plane rides.
5. the work.

Things I’m nervous about

1. Trying new food
2. not having wifi.
3. Missing my friends.
4. Missing my family.
5. not having hot water.

Food and Drinks that I’m excited about trying.

Spiders
Pig brains
Frog leg
Fish
Coconut
Different fruit
Tree leaves
tacos

Coconut water
Different kinds of sodas
Fruity juices
Wine
Coffee

Well that was mostly all I have to say about my pre-departure thoughts.