Machu Picchu and Rapa Nui

Once again I am diving into the archives...
Several years ago my mom, dad, and I went to South America on a two-week trip; the goal being to see the ancient Incan city of Machu Picchu in Peru and the Moai on Rapa Nui (aka Easter Island). Both are designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites for their "outstanding cultural or natural importance to the common heritage of humanity." Also, both are places that my dad had long-wanted to see and experience. So, we boarded a plane to Peru.

Our home base in Peru was Cusco - a town that sits at an elevation of over 11,000 feet and a perfect place to taste alpaca and drink coca tea (regardless of whether you are feeling altitude sickness or not).

We first learned about Incan architecture at Saqsayhuaman

and then explored the Andes of Peru,

the Sacred Valley,

the Urubamba River,

and Ollantaytambo.

We took the train to Aguas Calientes (on which I danced with this guy).

We ended with the magnificent Machu Picchu.

From Peru, we took a flight to Santiago, Chile and then on to Rapa Nui. We were guided around the entirety of the island by Matu'a who taught us about the island itself, the culture, and the famous Moai.

Click here to see more photos of Machu Picchu and Peru.
Click here to see more photos of Rapa Nui.