The goal was Machu Picchu, the journey was a scenic, historic, and fiber filled treat. The port of entry was Lima, and after a short stay we flew to Cusco. This town is in the Peruvian Andes at an elevation of 11,152 ft., and where the fiber world came alive. People dressed in colorful, traditional woven garments and carried their baby llamas. Markets were bursting with colors and patterns in everything, including bags, scarves, clothes and more. It's a fiber artists paradise.
The next day we took a train to Aguas Calentes, the town at the base of Machu Picchu. Leaving the train station one must walk through a market filled with beautiful items, brilliant, because you can't resist. The town is quaint and full of locals and tourists and is a very nice place to stay a couple of days.
In the early morning everyone catches the buses that wind up the side of the mountain on hairpin turns to get to the park entrance of Machu Picchu. Once inside it's intriguing to explore and worthwhile to hire a guide so you know what you're looking at. Llamas live at the park and roam around freely, which was delightful. To make the most out of the visit, hike above Machu Picchu for exhilarating views in every direction. Late in the day when things quieted down we were still exploring and taking photographs. As I focused on the mountain scene a lovely llama photobombed the shot, slowly strolling by within a couple of feet of me, and a little curious. It's one of my favorite shots because of her cuteness and attitude. A short time later she was grazing near by and she allowed me to put my hands in her fur...wicked cool.
all images © Shiree Annette Photography