Jennifer

Ollyantatambo stole my heart. It’s a true Inca town which has been able to maintain the small streets, water flows, and charm over hundreds of years. It is so quaint and delightful—I highly recommend it. Our tour guide took us to a traditional Inca home where the family raise cuy (guiena pigs) for food and had several altars to the gods. They even had the skull of a grandparent on display (!). You will feel like you’ve discovered something very special.

That said, there isn’t much going on, so I would only recommend a 1-night stay.

…is that it is not worth visiting Machu Picchu if you don’t hike the Inca Trail. I was there in December, and there were Orchids blooming alongside the trail, flowers in bloom, and waterfalls. You will arrive at Machu Picchu very early in the morning, and there are only a few people there.

If you arrive by bus, you are herded through turnstiles like it is an amusement park.

We were only able to spend an afternoon here, but it was a wonderfully peaceful and interesting time. Our guide was knowledgeable and gracious. Take special note of the ceremonial use of water throughout.

I love this guy. He was hanging out at the top of Machu Picchu.

I spent a few days in Yellowstone back in 2002, and can’t wait to make it back! It’s beautiful, pristine, and by far my favorite place in the United States (and I’ve seen most of it!).

I would recommend visiting in late spring. There are fewer tourists and there are more animals “out and about.” We wer stuck in several bison traffic jams!

This picture was taken at sunset at the top of the island.

We spent a few days touring the Lake. After visiting the Uros Islands and Taquile Island, Amananti Island was by far the most wonderful.

We were able to stay with a family. They cooked our food and were the sweetest, kindest people I have ever met. Don’t forget to bring bags full of pasta, cooking oil, fruit and other foods that are hard to find on the island as gifts. And bring some toys for their many children, too!

If you can make it to the top if the island, the views are breathtaking. I spent two weeks in Bolivia and Peru, and the night I spent on Amananti was by far my favorite excursion.

I am particularly sensitive to altitudes, so La Paz, at over 15K feet left me hallucinating (no kidding!). Everyone will find themselves winded after walking up a flight of stairs or other minor activites, but those who are sensitive will be nauseated, tired, and breathless. I also had the worst headache of my life on my first day there.

La Paz is a beautiful city and I loved it. Also, don’t forget to visit Tiahuanaca, about an hour north. The views on the way there are breathtaking! (no pun intended :) )

I was lucky enough to see the Tuvan throat singers over the weekend. They are truly amazing. Their music is a representation of their land. Many of the songs incorporated bird calls or the sound of horses and other animals.

I am dying to go to Tuva.