Perú!

I wondered if I could ever like Latin America more than I did before winter break but, after spending almost two weeks in Peru, I realized the my fondness for the Americas continues to grow. 

Peru was an incredibly beautiful country. Rich in both Incan and Hispanic history, Peruvian museums, churches, and Incan sites provided the perfect travelling haven for my inner historian. The country's geography provided an outstanding background for the travels. I super thankful for the time I was able to spend there. Since a picture is worth a thousand words, I will stop rambling and let the photos speak for themselves...

This was one of the first plants to greet me when I arrived in Arequipa...

While I was there I visited the one of a kind-El Monasterio de Santa Catalina de Siena.

At night, the city lit up and music could be heard in all corners of the streets.

I made it outside the city for a bit and the surrounding areas were stunning. The city also is the home of the "Incan Ice Maiden", who I was able to see. Eek!

 Next, I moved onto Cusco. Below is a picture of the main plaza. This city is a fascinating collision of the Incan and Hispanic histories.

Peruvian kids were adorable.

Incan ruins are everywhere. This site was a storage fortress names Puka Pukara. 

Afterwards, I began the treck towards Machu Picchu...

The scenery was breath taking.

We spent the night camping amongst Incan ruins in the Sacred Valley.

And then finally made it Machu Picchu!!!

My childhood dream was to visit this site. 

I never imagined it would be so huge!

I hiked up Huayna Picchu with a friend. Machu Picchu looked so tiny from up above. (P.S. I did rock the ASU shirt there and saw a fellow Sun Devil. Of course, when I saw my fellow Sun Devil, I screamed, "Arizona State," across the Incan ruins. Once a Sun Devil, always a Sun Devil!)

The llama nobility still lives at Machu Picchu!

Afterwards, I headed to Lake Titicaca. The lake is the highest lake in the world and is enormous!

On the lake, there are many islands including these "floating islands" that are completely human made from straw and dirt.

Along with humans, these pigs live on the floating islands. 

Other islands have regular festivals. 

Amantaní, an island where I did a home stay, was filled with ancient Incan ruins...

including a temple for the sun god. 

I had a great island host and wonderful French travel buddies.

The lake was amazing!

Viva el Peru!

:)