マチュピチュへの6日間の洞窟ツアーとレインボーマウンテンハイキング

PRE TOUR: I got to Cusco a couple days before the tour started because I wanted to visit more places. I had let CrossOver Peru know and they came to pick me up at the airport, helped me check in. On that day, I mentioned that I wanted to visit Maras and Moray (not included in the package) and they have arranged me a tour the next day at around 50 Soles! Day 1: Queshuachaca Bridge & Caranahui Cave Kevin picked me up from my hotel around 4:30AM and we hit the road. After two hour of driving, we stopped by at a small town for a local breakfast (not included) with egg toast and quinoa drink and it was super yummy. After the meal, we drove one more hour to the bridge. Kevin explained that the bridge was last inca bridge and gave me nice background story and explanation of significance of the bridge. Then, we drove 10-20 more minutes to go to a cave. Kevin did a small and yet beautiful ceremony thanking the Mother Earth (pachamama) for allowing us to visit the cave. The cave was 240+ millions old and it was just so serene. Afterwards, we stopped by a restaurant for lunch (included) for Pollo Saltada! They are great spots away from the regular/popular touristy place. Day 2: Rainbow Mountain Kevin also came to pick me up this day. We had an earlier start at 3:30AM. In this tour, breakfast and lunch were included. When we got to rainbow mountain, it was cold, covered by thick fog, and I was actually very sad as Rainbow Mountain was one of the biggest reasons why I wanted to come to Cusco. I rented a horse to go up and Kevin is an amazing hiker as he kept up with the speed of horse all the way to the top. The fog was still so thick. As I was getting more and more disappointed, Kevin told me not to worry and be positive. Kevin kindly waited with me for one hour for fog to clear and it didn't. Then, he said we should do a small offering to the mountain with Coca leaves. We did and waited for another 20 minutes and nothing happened. So we decided to make our descend and we see a ray of sunshine approaching our way. It was a breathtaking sight! I cautiously asked Kevin if we can go back up and without a hesitation, Kevin said "We can!" The mountain was so beautiful and I was so thankful and grateful for Kevin. It was a truly unforgettable day. THANK YOU KEVIN!!! My heart still gets filled with appreciation when I think about this day! Day 3: Sacred Valley, Colonial and Archeological Pisaq & Ollantaytambo This day, Ruben was our guide. The start of the day was at 7AM. No meal was included this day. We stopped by Sacred Valley’s beautiful view and proceeded to Pisaq sites and Ollantaytambo. Ruben gave us about 30 mins of Pisaq market. MAKE SURE you don’t get lost there. The market is huge and I almost got lost. Ruben gave us a thorough history overview of these sights. The knowledge that he had was very impressive. After the tour, I got dropped off at the train station to go to Aguas Callientes. Day 4: Machu Picchu At 6:30am, I got picked up by the guide, Victor, from my hotel to the bus station. No meal is included on this day. After 25 mins of the bus ride, we got to the gate. Victor was an amazing “story teller.” Calm and composed, with good sense of humor and full of knowledge. I felt so lucky to be there and learning about Machu Picchu. Machu Picchu, as one of the most famous spots in the world, was just mind blowing. I was slightly afraid that I will get disappointed. But it was BEYOND what I have pictured in my head for all these years. Day 5: Departure It was time to say goodbye to the beautiful Cusco. I have learned so much past few days. The love and respect that Cusco people have for Pachamama was so touching. I was so sad to leave and I have to thank CrossOver Peru for providing me with these amazing experiences!

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