Buenas noches de Cuzco!
We all knew this was coming…December 11th…the end of our South American adventure. It`s after midnight, and in less than 3 hours we will roll out of our beds, stumble into taxis with packs now doubled in weight and size, and depart for the US of A. Well…most of us. Robbie, Michelle, Julia, and Daniel are staying behind to pursue further travels and adventures and/or take care of important South American business. In any case, the SAM fam is dispersing as our trip comes to a close.
And what a close it has been! We came off of a wonderful week of free travel at Lake Titicaca to a 5-day trek in the Sacred Valley, ending day 1 at the base of Mt. Salkantay (our campsite sat at nearly 15,000 feet!). After 4 days of hiking (36 miles, 6-8 hours each day) up and down the valley walls, through cold craggy mountains and lush jungle, we made it to the tourist town of Aguas Calientes. One night at a hostel then BAM! Machu Picchu by 7 AM the next morning! A hike up Wayna Picchu (with its spectacular overlook of the Lost City of the Incas at the very top) and plenty of photos later, we said `adios` to our funny little guide Antonio and his sweet sister Mari, and boarded a train and bus back to our Cusqueñen homebase for the final two nights.
So here I am, calves tight and stomach stuffed after a fancy three-course meal with my wonderful Carpe family (que rico!), refusing to believe that it is actually over. Thanks you my dear friends, for all the memories, all the laughs and smiles, all the love we`ve shared and will forever share, wherever our lives lead us.
I will always remember you Katie, Claudelle, Emily, Ian, Daniel, Marina, Coleman, Robbie, Julia, Elena, Michelle, Rio, and Gulab!
Hasta la proxima!
BESOS
Love,
EEms