MACHU PICCHU

After one day in Cusco, we got up relatively early and took a 2 hour private car ride to a train station in Ollantaytambo to then catch the 1.5 hour PeruRail Train to Aguas Calientes. The ride was picturesque and we really got a chance to see how folks live outside of the tourist area. And like Cusco, Machu Picchu Pueblo or Aguas Calientes (the charming town before you head up the hill) stole my heart!

Fashionista spotted from the car ride

Lots of colorful buildings throughout the shanty towns

2 hours later we made it to the train!

And 1.5 hours after that, all smiles at the train station in Machu Picchu Pueblo a.k.a Aguas Calientes. 

I wish you could hear how peaceful the water is flowing downstream. 

I wish I had more time in this town but shortly after arriving, I took the 20 minute bus ride up to...

MACHU PICCHU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And if you can believe it, it's even more incredible in person!

Some folks hike for days. I opted for the 20 minute hike to the "top" :) And yes, I still needed a break or two on the way up.

And that my friends, was my journey to Machu Picchu! I enjoyed the whole trip so much, I'd do it again :)

**Simply Chic Travel Tips: Machu Picchu**

Several people told me to take the early trip to Machu Picchu and watch the sunrise. If you do the math that would have required me to leave my hotel in Cusco at some ungodly hour (2 or 3 a.m.) and I was not about that life. So I left around 8 a.m., got to MP around noon and that was perfect for me. If the sunrise is that important to you, I'd say take the 4 hour journey a day before and stay in Aguas Calientes. I don't know how great the accommodations are there, but as you can see the town is really lovely! 

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CUSCO

As I stated before, the road to Machu Picchu is not an easy one but it's such a beautiful journey. We took a flight from Lima to Cusco, which is closer but still far from Machu Picchu and I fell in love with this town! It is rich in culture with great architecture and the people are much friendlier than they are in Lima. Here are some pictures of Cusco.

First & foremost drink the coca tea to adjust to the 11,000 ft altitude. It won't make you high ;)

The view from my super cute HOTEL 

The Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption of the Virgin a.k.a Cusco Cathedral

Cobblestone streets and walls

And last but not least, my last meal in Cusco at PACHAPAPA may or may not have included cuy, known to us as guinea pig :-/

**Simply Chic Travel Tips: Cusco**

The altitude is seriously not a game. I personally have altitude issues so I was worried, and while I never got sick to my stomach, there was more than one occasion where I got very winded and needed to sit or lay down. Drink the tea, take the diamox and walk very slowly & avoid stairs if you can. 

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ROAD TO MACHU PICCHU

I'm sure I said this before somewhere on here, but I have this problem where I see something pretty or interesting in a picture and I feel like I need to see it in real life. So for all the people who asked me, "Why Peru", the answer is simple...Machu Picchu! I had to get there, but I had no idea getting there was not an easy feat and I had no idea I would love Peru as much as I did.

I didn't do a great job of using my camera, but please enjoy these (mostly) iPhone snaps. 

The road to Machu Picchu started with a full day in Lima...

Specifically with breakfast at HAITI with the best bacon & egg scramble you could even begin to imagine. And of course a Pisco Sour because when in Rome, right?

(super affordable & beautiful)

(Parque Kennedy a.k.a Cat Park)

(El Beso Statue in Parque del Amor)

Aside from Pisco Sours, Lima is known for its vibrant art scene, parks & PDA! Ha! I've never seen so many couple so in love (or lust) in one place which makes this famous El Beso statue most appropriate. 

Am I in California, or maybe Miami? Nope, it's Miraflores! This is the most popular section of Lima to stay in because it's close to the action and while I enjoyed this area  I will say it's not tremendously rich in culture and could easily be mistaken for any major metropolitan US city.

And then you turn the corner and run into a building that reminds you that you are in a different country. This one was my fav in Miraflores.

**Simply Chic Travel Tips: Lima**

Brush up on your Spanish before you head to Lima. This is the least English speaking city I've been to, and the people aren't that friendly or helpful. 

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