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Peru & Panama 2017 trip

Conor Lansdale
Conor Lansdale

Our 5 day whirlwind trip to Machu Picchu and the Panama Canal. Thanks for the memories Alyssa, Mikey, and Patrick!

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Peru & Panama 2017 DATES OF TRAVEL: 06/29/17 07/04/17
5-day Itinerary Destination: Machu Picchu, Peru Day 1 1am flight @ LAX 7pm land in Cusco, Peru Day 2 6am train to Aguas Calientes arrive 10am Day 3 9am train to Ollantaytambo arrive 11am Day 4 8am bus to Cusco Airport arrive 10am 12pm flight to Lima, Peru arrive 1:30pm Day 5 6:30am flight to Panama City arrive 10:30am 6pm flight to LAX arrive home @ 11:30pm
Wednesday Night flight 1 of 6 in 5 days! Back in February, Pat and I were enjoying at 9/80 Off-Friday and looking at our schedule The July 4th week looked too good to not use for another adventure So we started brainstorming destinations, and flight prices By 11am we purchased roundtrip tickets to Lima, Peru thru Chase Ultimate Rewards. By noon, we assembled into a group of 4 amigos ready to go! We called ourselves the C.A.M.P crew = Conor, Alyssa, Mikey, Patrick Alyssa Mikey Patrick Conor
If this crew looks familiar 3 of us were on the Broatia 2016 trip thru Greece and Croatia. This trip we swapped an A for an A: WAS: Andrew -> IS: Alyssa Some would call it an upgrade
Redeyes arent bad if we got Lounges Breakfast onboard our first flight wasnt bad the quiche was meh, yogurt and cold cuts are always nice We landed in Panama City, with a 1.5hr layover, but more than enough to get a celebratory toast and snacks in a lounge at the start of our adventure! Day 1
We finally arrived in Peru! Day 1 We landed in Cusco Peru around 7PM, and were surprised at how small the airport was. Only two baggage carousels, but to our relief we were able to order an Uber to take us to our hostel Free Cocoa leaves were all over the airport to help with the elevation ~11,000 ft! *We landed in Lima Peru first, but I didnt take any photos so I wont talk about it
Made it to our first Hostel Day 1 Our Uber driver was super friendly, and very bold while driving at night. The streets reminded me of Venice, how tight and uncomfortable the cobble stones made for driving. He even went reverse up a steep grade hill so we didnt have to hike up it after our flight! We then agreed to hire him for tomorrows early morning (5am) drive to the train station. One less thing to worry about!
Unpacked and time to Explore Day 1 We definitely all agreed that Cusco is a great place to ditch a stairmaster. But I really enjoyed looking at the ornate/strategic cobblestone arrangements. Reminiscent of old Roman roads that I saw in Vesuvius
Birthday Dinner for Patrick Day 1 Somehow Pat always gets lucky, and has a birthday when we travel! For his present, of course we got him Cuy (Koo-Ee, aka Guinea Pig) for his Birthday feast. The waiter later told us that Cuy was traditionally ordered as part of celebrations, or special events.
Finally en route to Aguas Caliente! Day 2 It should be noted for the record that Night 1, was our only civilized nights rest. For the rest of the trip, wed soak up every city and sight until 2am and then were up by 6am ready to go (some took copious naps to recover) We got picked up by our driver around 5:15am, for our 6:40am train since the station was about 10 miles away, and we were unsure about traffic. The train onboard PeruRail takes 3.5hrs, and has food & beverage service throughout picture Harry Potter trolleys
Choo-choo training Day 2 The train ride was pleasant, and gave us a chance to enjoy the sights of the Sacred Valley, and the sounds of the Urubamba River. Stopping 3 times to allow hikers to enter the Incan Trail.
Bond Villain Hotels Day 2 One of the coolest stops along the way, was to pause at a small town and gaze up at the Skylodge Adventure Suites. ~$450USD per person/night, and you must climb 1,200ft of Via Ferrata or hike an across a trail through ziplines which youll take down the Mountain. The Skylodge can hold up to 12 people, 4 per Pod, with 1 Pod for cooking and eating.
Mount Veronica Day 2 The train has a PA system that calls out local points of interest, one of which was Veronica, a 5,893 m (19,334 ft) mountain in the Urubamba mountain range in the Andes
Our type of Train service Day 2 There was never a shortage of Cusquena cerveza, I prefer the Dorada (Golden Lager), but Mikey liked the Negra (Amber) flavor
We made it to Aguas Caliente Day 2 We arrived shortly before 10am, and were surprised at how long the Bus to Machu Picchu line was. Luckily, we quickly got on wifi and found our Hostel to drop off our bags and head up to the ruins!
Aguas Caliente has a ton of tourist things Day 2 Like an open air market, tons of restaurants, and a bunch of hostels/small hotels. But its also home to about 1,600 people
You should definitely buy Bus tickets early! Day 2 The bus will cost your $24USD when we went, and they ONLY ACCEPT MASTERCARD or cash. That is one of the most frustrating things about travelling, we encountered this on our Broatia trip too, some countries seem to prefer Mastercard and refuse Visa. You also need to show your Passport.
Bus ride to the Entrance of Machu Picchu Day 2 After going to the Parthenon in last fall, I pictured an iconic entrance to this once royal city above the clouds. We actually found a rather busy bus depot with a fancy hotel and a medium sized restaurant for wary hikers. We should also mention the New Rules that went into effect the day AFTER we visited Machu Picchu Summary (not comprehensive): Two entrance times; 6.00am-12.00pm & 12.00pm till -5.30pm No re-entrance allowed (full day visit you need two tickets) First day entrance has to be accompanied by an official guide 3 Circuits to follow not allowed to divert from the circuits Forbidden to enter with photographic tripods or any type of camera stand/support It is prohibited to get naked, dress up, lie down, run and jump
Following the steps of Hiram Bingham Day 2 Hiram Bingham, a Yale Professor on an expedition to find the Inca capital in 1911. He travelled along the Urubamba River, which hikers and the train continue to follow. His team found Machu Picchu, but due to the massive vegetation, they did not appreciate the scale of the site until the next year. It should also be noted that Hiram Bingham has a mixed legacy in Peru. After discovering Machu Picchu, his team began the excavation process and sent artifacts back to Yale for study and preservation. Some of the last artifacts were returned in 2010, 100 years after they were discovered.
As you curve along the path, youll see the railroad and river Day 2
And next you know, youre there Day 2
You can go down, or all the way up!? Day 2
Day 2 We go all the way up!
After 36hrs of travel = Worth it! Day 2
Continue up the mountain towards the Sun Gate Day 2
Thats the Sun Gate Day 2 The Sun Gate also called Intipunku was once a guardhouse that marked one of the principle entrances to Machu Picchu. It is located at 2,720 meters (8,924 feet) above sea level above the Urban Sector of Machu Picchu.
Mikey was the first to the top Day 2
Look down from the Sun Gate Day 2 Thats Machu Picchu!
Our jumping game was not strong after this hike Day 2
So then we headed back down for those iconic photos Day 2
Day 2
You wouldnt guess it, but Day 2 Even with all of these tourists, Machu Picchu is still an active archaeological site with constant maintenance being done
Its really hard to give this place a sense of scale Day 2
We also took a TON of photos with Llamas Day 2
Llamas Day 2
Amazing Incan masonry Day 2
Back in town we ate and shopped until we dropped Day 2 Pollo Saltado and Chicken Soup w/ Pisco Sours & wine
And after dinner we joined a town party Day 2 We shared a lot of wine, laughs, and sing- alongs Our Hostel was locked when we left the party, so a neighbor helped us break-in.
We were the Kings and Queen of Machu Picchu for a day Day 3
Off to Ollantaytambo! Day 3
Peddlers and make-shift rickshaw cabs Day 3
Ollantaytambo had an otherworldly feel Day 3 The town is nestled in between mountains with ruins built onto the steppe. It feels like going back in time as you walk on the stone pavers.
Our hostel is called Casa de Wow Day 3
Snacks before we explore Day 3
Ollantaytambo ruins were pricey, and short on time Day 3 About $40USD to hike up the ruins we hard passed, and went shopping instead, lol
Beautiful textiles are everywhere, so dont forget to haggle Day 3 My Alpaca poncho was originally ~$60USD, but after 10 minutes of talking, I got it down to $20 USD! The marketplace was like any tourist squeeze, similar designs at every booth and quality varies
One of my favorite memories Day 3 Alyssa wanted a better view, so Patrick tried to move the open sign but in the process, it broken into many pieces. That caused Pat to low-key panic hahaha!
As usual, we left happier than we entered Day 3
Cant get enough of the sights and sounds Day 3
Dinner in Ollantaytambo Day 3 Pretty typical meal no one wanted to order a real meal and then someone orders pizza, and in less than 60 seconds its all gone!
We must go back to Ollantaytambo Day 3 Heres Alyssa making our entry in the Casa de Wow guest log
Catch you later Casa de Wow! Day 4
How we usually take photos #squadgoals Day 4
Puppies and taxicabs Day 4 Day 4 started bittersweet It was 2.5hr cab ride from Ollantaytambo to Cusco. And we could feel the trip coming to an end, just 1 more major stop: Panama Canal
Long cab rides let us get in a few cat naps Day 4
Cusco was the Incan empires capitol Day 4 The drive through Cusco was a mix of modern and historic buildings, with little central planning everything was thrown together
The signs as you approach the airport Day 4
We finally arrived at Lima Peru, and found the WiFi! Day 4
Electric showers we didnt die Day 4
Lima definitely reminded me of Newark, NJ Day 4 We ate at Don Jose!
Buses are cool, but custom motorcycles are better! Day 4 We watched this guy try to sell chocolate bars to every bus that stopped at the light. Hed literally get on the bus, end theyd kick him off when the light turned green. Gotta respect the hustle.
The hostel in Lima was pretty lit killer happy hour! Day 4
Best taquitos and guac in my life! Day 4
Long Layover in Panama! Day 5 We landed at Panama Citys airport and had a little less than 8hr layover, so we wanted to explore 1 last city! Inside the airport was clean, and modern; outside was under major construction We hired a private car to take us on a tour of the Panama Canal, and Old Panama City for $100. Before the trip, online companies were advertising tours for $75-100 per person Leaving the airport, youre driving on a 2-lane highway thru the jungle!
Passing thru downtown Panama City! Day 5 Traffic was very congested, and turn indicators were optional. The buildings reminded me of Las Vegas, and the avant-garde/haphazard designs
Panama Canals Miraflores Lock center Day 5 The visitor center is 5 stories tall: features a viewing deck, and a walking museum. Well worth the $15 admission. Try to time your visit with when boats will be transiting through the Lock!
***Canal Context*** Day 5 Google Earth Wikipedia: The Panama Canal is an artificial 48-mile (77 km) waterway. France began work on the canal in 1881 but stopped due to engineering problems and a high worker mortality rate. The United States took over the project in 1904 and opened the canal on August 15, 1914. Colombia, France, and later the United States controlled the territory surrounding the canal during construction. The U.S. continued to control the canal, in 1977 Jimmy Carter and Omar Torrijos signed a treaty to transition control. The treaty led to Panamanian control on December 31, 1999.
In between two Great Oceans Day 5 Pacific (South) facing Atlantic (North) facing We literally jogged up the escalators to see the last ship for the morning transit super lucky!
Last flight finally! Day 5 As we walked out of the Miraflores center it was raining hard, coupled with none of us eating food that day, we decided to head about to the airport. We spent about 3hours in the COPA Lounge, and binged on WiFi, finger foods, and the open bar hehehe
Glad to be back in the U.S. of A! Day 6 We got home around 1:30AM due to a McDonalds flash mob, and by 7AM we were in Hermosa celebrating the Fourth of July!

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Peru & Panama 2017 trip

  • 1. Peru & Panama 2017 DATES OF TRAVEL: 06/29/17 07/04/17
  • 2. 5-day Itinerary Destination: Machu Picchu, Peru Day 1 1am flight @ LAX 7pm land in Cusco, Peru Day 2 6am train to Aguas Calientes arrive 10am Day 3 9am train to Ollantaytambo arrive 11am Day 4 8am bus to Cusco Airport arrive 10am 12pm flight to Lima, Peru arrive 1:30pm Day 5 6:30am flight to Panama City arrive 10:30am 6pm flight to LAX arrive home @ 11:30pm
  • 3. Wednesday Night flight 1 of 6 in 5 days! Back in February, Pat and I were enjoying at 9/80 Off-Friday and looking at our schedule The July 4th week looked too good to not use for another adventure So we started brainstorming destinations, and flight prices By 11am we purchased roundtrip tickets to Lima, Peru thru Chase Ultimate Rewards. By noon, we assembled into a group of 4 amigos ready to go! We called ourselves the C.A.M.P crew = Conor, Alyssa, Mikey, Patrick Alyssa Mikey Patrick Conor
  • 4. If this crew looks familiar 3 of us were on the Broatia 2016 trip thru Greece and Croatia. This trip we swapped an A for an A: WAS: Andrew -> IS: Alyssa Some would call it an upgrade
  • 5. Redeyes arent bad if we got Lounges Breakfast onboard our first flight wasnt bad the quiche was meh, yogurt and cold cuts are always nice We landed in Panama City, with a 1.5hr layover, but more than enough to get a celebratory toast and snacks in a lounge at the start of our adventure! Day 1
  • 6. We finally arrived in Peru! Day 1 We landed in Cusco Peru around 7PM, and were surprised at how small the airport was. Only two baggage carousels, but to our relief we were able to order an Uber to take us to our hostel Free Cocoa leaves were all over the airport to help with the elevation ~11,000 ft! *We landed in Lima Peru first, but I didnt take any photos so I wont talk about it
  • 7. Made it to our first Hostel Day 1 Our Uber driver was super friendly, and very bold while driving at night. The streets reminded me of Venice, how tight and uncomfortable the cobble stones made for driving. He even went reverse up a steep grade hill so we didnt have to hike up it after our flight! We then agreed to hire him for tomorrows early morning (5am) drive to the train station. One less thing to worry about!
  • 8. Unpacked and time to Explore Day 1 We definitely all agreed that Cusco is a great place to ditch a stairmaster. But I really enjoyed looking at the ornate/strategic cobblestone arrangements. Reminiscent of old Roman roads that I saw in Vesuvius
  • 9. Birthday Dinner for Patrick Day 1 Somehow Pat always gets lucky, and has a birthday when we travel! For his present, of course we got him Cuy (Koo-Ee, aka Guinea Pig) for his Birthday feast. The waiter later told us that Cuy was traditionally ordered as part of celebrations, or special events.
  • 10. Finally en route to Aguas Caliente! Day 2 It should be noted for the record that Night 1, was our only civilized nights rest. For the rest of the trip, wed soak up every city and sight until 2am and then were up by 6am ready to go (some took copious naps to recover) We got picked up by our driver around 5:15am, for our 6:40am train since the station was about 10 miles away, and we were unsure about traffic. The train onboard PeruRail takes 3.5hrs, and has food & beverage service throughout picture Harry Potter trolleys
  • 11. Choo-choo training Day 2 The train ride was pleasant, and gave us a chance to enjoy the sights of the Sacred Valley, and the sounds of the Urubamba River. Stopping 3 times to allow hikers to enter the Incan Trail.
  • 12. Bond Villain Hotels Day 2 One of the coolest stops along the way, was to pause at a small town and gaze up at the Skylodge Adventure Suites. ~$450USD per person/night, and you must climb 1,200ft of Via Ferrata or hike an across a trail through ziplines which youll take down the Mountain. The Skylodge can hold up to 12 people, 4 per Pod, with 1 Pod for cooking and eating.
  • 13. Mount Veronica Day 2 The train has a PA system that calls out local points of interest, one of which was Veronica, a 5,893 m (19,334 ft) mountain in the Urubamba mountain range in the Andes
  • 14. Our type of Train service Day 2 There was never a shortage of Cusquena cerveza, I prefer the Dorada (Golden Lager), but Mikey liked the Negra (Amber) flavor
  • 15. We made it to Aguas Caliente Day 2 We arrived shortly before 10am, and were surprised at how long the Bus to Machu Picchu line was. Luckily, we quickly got on wifi and found our Hostel to drop off our bags and head up to the ruins!
  • 16. Aguas Caliente has a ton of tourist things Day 2 Like an open air market, tons of restaurants, and a bunch of hostels/small hotels. But its also home to about 1,600 people
  • 17. You should definitely buy Bus tickets early! Day 2 The bus will cost your $24USD when we went, and they ONLY ACCEPT MASTERCARD or cash. That is one of the most frustrating things about travelling, we encountered this on our Broatia trip too, some countries seem to prefer Mastercard and refuse Visa. You also need to show your Passport.
  • 18. Bus ride to the Entrance of Machu Picchu Day 2 After going to the Parthenon in last fall, I pictured an iconic entrance to this once royal city above the clouds. We actually found a rather busy bus depot with a fancy hotel and a medium sized restaurant for wary hikers. We should also mention the New Rules that went into effect the day AFTER we visited Machu Picchu Summary (not comprehensive): Two entrance times; 6.00am-12.00pm & 12.00pm till -5.30pm No re-entrance allowed (full day visit you need two tickets) First day entrance has to be accompanied by an official guide 3 Circuits to follow not allowed to divert from the circuits Forbidden to enter with photographic tripods or any type of camera stand/support It is prohibited to get naked, dress up, lie down, run and jump
  • 19. Following the steps of Hiram Bingham Day 2 Hiram Bingham, a Yale Professor on an expedition to find the Inca capital in 1911. He travelled along the Urubamba River, which hikers and the train continue to follow. His team found Machu Picchu, but due to the massive vegetation, they did not appreciate the scale of the site until the next year. It should also be noted that Hiram Bingham has a mixed legacy in Peru. After discovering Machu Picchu, his team began the excavation process and sent artifacts back to Yale for study and preservation. Some of the last artifacts were returned in 2010, 100 years after they were discovered.
  • 20. As you curve along the path, youll see the railroad and river Day 2
  • 21. And next you know, youre there Day 2
  • 22. You can go down, or all the way up!? Day 2
  • 23. Day 2 We go all the way up!
  • 24. After 36hrs of travel = Worth it! Day 2
  • 25. Continue up the mountain towards the Sun Gate Day 2
  • 26. Thats the Sun Gate Day 2 The Sun Gate also called Intipunku was once a guardhouse that marked one of the principle entrances to Machu Picchu. It is located at 2,720 meters (8,924 feet) above sea level above the Urban Sector of Machu Picchu.
  • 27. Mikey was the first to the top Day 2
  • 28. Look down from the Sun Gate Day 2 Thats Machu Picchu!
  • 29. Our jumping game was not strong after this hike Day 2
  • 30. So then we headed back down for those iconic photos Day 2
  • 31. Day 2
  • 32. You wouldnt guess it, but Day 2 Even with all of these tourists, Machu Picchu is still an active archaeological site with constant maintenance being done
  • 33. Its really hard to give this place a sense of scale Day 2
  • 34. We also took a TON of photos with Llamas Day 2
  • 37. Back in town we ate and shopped until we dropped Day 2 Pollo Saltado and Chicken Soup w/ Pisco Sours & wine
  • 38. And after dinner we joined a town party Day 2 We shared a lot of wine, laughs, and sing- alongs Our Hostel was locked when we left the party, so a neighbor helped us break-in.
  • 39. We were the Kings and Queen of Machu Picchu for a day Day 3
  • 41. Peddlers and make-shift rickshaw cabs Day 3
  • 42. Ollantaytambo had an otherworldly feel Day 3 The town is nestled in between mountains with ruins built onto the steppe. It feels like going back in time as you walk on the stone pavers.
  • 43. Our hostel is called Casa de Wow Day 3
  • 44. Snacks before we explore Day 3
  • 45. Ollantaytambo ruins were pricey, and short on time Day 3 About $40USD to hike up the ruins we hard passed, and went shopping instead, lol
  • 46. Beautiful textiles are everywhere, so dont forget to haggle Day 3 My Alpaca poncho was originally ~$60USD, but after 10 minutes of talking, I got it down to $20 USD! The marketplace was like any tourist squeeze, similar designs at every booth and quality varies
  • 47. One of my favorite memories Day 3 Alyssa wanted a better view, so Patrick tried to move the open sign but in the process, it broken into many pieces. That caused Pat to low-key panic hahaha!
  • 48. As usual, we left happier than we entered Day 3
  • 49. Cant get enough of the sights and sounds Day 3
  • 50. Dinner in Ollantaytambo Day 3 Pretty typical meal no one wanted to order a real meal and then someone orders pizza, and in less than 60 seconds its all gone!
  • 51. We must go back to Ollantaytambo Day 3 Heres Alyssa making our entry in the Casa de Wow guest log
  • 52. Catch you later Casa de Wow! Day 4
  • 53. How we usually take photos #squadgoals Day 4
  • 54. Puppies and taxicabs Day 4 Day 4 started bittersweet It was 2.5hr cab ride from Ollantaytambo to Cusco. And we could feel the trip coming to an end, just 1 more major stop: Panama Canal
  • 55. Long cab rides let us get in a few cat naps Day 4
  • 56. Cusco was the Incan empires capitol Day 4 The drive through Cusco was a mix of modern and historic buildings, with little central planning everything was thrown together
  • 57. The signs as you approach the airport Day 4
  • 58. We finally arrived at Lima Peru, and found the WiFi! Day 4
  • 59. Electric showers we didnt die Day 4
  • 60. Lima definitely reminded me of Newark, NJ Day 4 We ate at Don Jose!
  • 61. Buses are cool, but custom motorcycles are better! Day 4 We watched this guy try to sell chocolate bars to every bus that stopped at the light. Hed literally get on the bus, end theyd kick him off when the light turned green. Gotta respect the hustle.
  • 62. The hostel in Lima was pretty lit killer happy hour! Day 4
  • 63. Best taquitos and guac in my life! Day 4
  • 64. Long Layover in Panama! Day 5 We landed at Panama Citys airport and had a little less than 8hr layover, so we wanted to explore 1 last city! Inside the airport was clean, and modern; outside was under major construction We hired a private car to take us on a tour of the Panama Canal, and Old Panama City for $100. Before the trip, online companies were advertising tours for $75-100 per person Leaving the airport, youre driving on a 2-lane highway thru the jungle!
  • 65. Passing thru downtown Panama City! Day 5 Traffic was very congested, and turn indicators were optional. The buildings reminded me of Las Vegas, and the avant-garde/haphazard designs
  • 66. Panama Canals Miraflores Lock center Day 5 The visitor center is 5 stories tall: features a viewing deck, and a walking museum. Well worth the $15 admission. Try to time your visit with when boats will be transiting through the Lock!
  • 67. ***Canal Context*** Day 5 Google Earth Wikipedia: The Panama Canal is an artificial 48-mile (77 km) waterway. France began work on the canal in 1881 but stopped due to engineering problems and a high worker mortality rate. The United States took over the project in 1904 and opened the canal on August 15, 1914. Colombia, France, and later the United States controlled the territory surrounding the canal during construction. The U.S. continued to control the canal, in 1977 Jimmy Carter and Omar Torrijos signed a treaty to transition control. The treaty led to Panamanian control on December 31, 1999.
  • 68. In between two Great Oceans Day 5 Pacific (South) facing Atlantic (North) facing We literally jogged up the escalators to see the last ship for the morning transit super lucky!
  • 69. Last flight finally! Day 5 As we walked out of the Miraflores center it was raining hard, coupled with none of us eating food that day, we decided to head about to the airport. We spent about 3hours in the COPA Lounge, and binged on WiFi, finger foods, and the open bar hehehe
  • 70. Glad to be back in the U.S. of A! Day 6 We got home around 1:30AM due to a McDonalds flash mob, and by 7AM we were in Hermosa celebrating the Fourth of July!