Peace Corps service is coming to an end, indeed we only have eight weeks left (well Bolivia 42 – my PC group is about to finish). For our last vacation we head to Peru! This blog post and the following two chronicle this incredible journey on the way to Machu Picchu (mostly pictorially).
Luke Bourassa, Steve Cooper, and Winston Harrell from PC B41 have just finished their service and are traveling a bit before heading back to the US. Emily Barton is in from Connecticut on a much deserved vacation, and rounding out the group are the three muskateers from B42 (my training group) 
Sarah Anderson, Susan Grundstrom, and myself.
We start off in Cusco, Peru – what a change from Bolivia! This is the pictures main plaza, 
which is surrounded by restaurants, cafes, and bars. Walking anywhere near the plaza draws a flock of locals offering everything from free drinks if you eat at their establishment to massages for the ‘weary’ traveler. Capitalism has certainly found this part of the world, one would be hard pressed to walk 10 meters without an offer of some kind.
Although, many of us are happy to see so many options (food, goods, etc) as there certainly aren’t as many in Bolivia.
The next day Winston, Steve, Emily, and I explore some of the Incan ruins just outside of Cusco. 
It turns out the word “Inca” was originally the name of the leader of the people we now refer to as the Incas. Interestingly, throughout the trip we see locals dressed in traditional garb very similar to traditional dress in Bolivia.
If I remembered my history a bit better I would recall that the Incan empire, at its height, spanned throughout most of South America (from Ecuador to Argentina) – thus, these cultural overlaps shouldn’t be such a surprise (oops). 
Walking over and around these ruins, which remain amazingly intact, is really quite an experience. 
Much of what we now know about the Incas is culled from Spanish historians (whose knowledge and perspective may be somewhat dubious) and verbal interviews from distant relations;
thus we are left with a frustrating and fascinating mix of legend, myth, and history.
Learning the history of this ancient people was *almost* 
as exciting to us Peace Corps types, as the incredible food!! (I know some mom’s might be disappointed to hear this – but we’re just keeping to the truth
).
After a day and a half in Cusco
we travel by mini-bus a few hours to the start of our hike in the breathtaking Lares Valley.
The first stop is in a local market for breakfast and supplies for the trek.
The market was much like ours here in Bolivia albeit more organized and perhaps cleaner.
We buy pencils, stickers, school supplies, and bread for the poverty stricken locals we will see along the hike.
This is a motorcycle turned rickshaw which serves as a taxi (seen throughout our trip) 
for locals (cheaper than car-taxis).
And then we start the trek with a few relaxing hours in the naturally warm/hot 
thermal baths in the Lares Valley. My friend Mike Bayer was nice enough to ask if we are in a giant cappuccino – 
but I’m happy to say the color had no effect on the soothing experience!
What a way to start a three day trek, most of which will be 
at over 12,000 feet!!
**This whole trip is definitely one of the BEST I’ve ever been on – if you are thinking about heading to Machu Picchu and have any questions please don’t hesitate to contact me!
Now playing: Fergie - Big Girls Don’t Cry (Personal)
