Captivating Cuenca
Cuenca was our first overnight stop in Ecuador after spending a month in Peru, and we could already tell on arrival that Ecuador was going to be a whole new ballgame.
The Peruvian Amazon: Iquitos, Mazán, and Indiana
We head to the Amazon, basing ourselves out of isolated Iquitos (Loreto) and attempting to cobble together our own independent jungle adventure.
Puno on Lake Titicaca
Perched at 12,556 feet above sea level on the shores of mammoth Lake Titicaca at the southern tip of Peru, the city of Puno has a distinct feel all its own — and the residents aren’t afraid to flaunt it.
Taquile Island (Isla Taquile) Overnight Stay
From Amantani Island, we catch a ferry to nearby Taquile Island — home to some of the handwoven textiles — in the heart of Lake Titicaca (Peru).
Lake Titicaca’s Isla Amantani (Amantani Island)
Dominated by agricultural terraces and two ancient-temple-topped peaks, the remote island of Amantani is quite unlike any other island we’ve visited.
Uros Floating Islands of Lake Titicaca
Peru’s side of Lake Titicaca is home to the Uru-Aymara people who live across 44 self-constructed floating islands made entirely of reed.
Inca Trail Trek, Day 4: Machu Picchu
The fourth and final day of our 40+ km Inca Trail trek, starting at 3:30am and ending on a train back to Cuzco, with Machu Picchu exploration in between.
Inca Trail Trek, Day 3
In Peru, continuing our trek along the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. This post covers our adventures and misadventures of the third day along the route.
Inca Trail Trek, Day 2
Day Two of our Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu was the most difficult: 10 miles over two 13,000 ft. passes, resulting in 11 of the most grueling and rewarding hours of our lives.
Our Incredible Inca Trail Trek, Day 1
Instead of taking the tourist route to Machu Picchu, we trekked four days over 42 kilometers following the 500-hundred-year-old Inca Trail. Here’s our travel report.
Cuzco: Exploring the Capital Of The Inca Empire
Wandering the alleyways of San Blas, soaking up the history of Plaza de Armas, and climbing to see Jesus in Cuzco, Peru, in the lead-up to of our four-day Inca Trail trek to Machu Picchu.
Arequipa to Cuzco by Bus
Another early morning bus ride Peru that ended up being a 10.5-hour adventure.
Out of the World’s [2nd] Deepest Canyon
We climb our way out of one of the deepest canyons in the world at high altitude and under blazing sun…needless to say, it wasn’t easy — but totally worth it.
Into the World’s [2nd] Deepest Canyon
Part one of hiking into (and out of) the world’s second deepest gash, Colca Canyon.
The White City of Arequipa
Exploring the enchanting “White City” of Arequipa, with its colonial, indigenous, and quintessential Peruvian charm.
Lima, Peru: Start of a South American Backpacking Adventure
We begin our month backpacking in Peru where many travelers do – in Lima. We explore the Miraflores neighborhood and some of the city’s top sights before taking a 16-hour overnight bus over the Andes to Arequipa.
Samaná Peninsula: Las Galeras & Playa Rincon
Our Dominican Republic backpacking trip takes us to Las Galeras on the the Samaná Peninsula for beach hopping and fun in the sun, including a hop over to world-renowned Playa Rincon.
ANIJA
While in Jarabacoa, a friend invited us to visit the ANIJA school. It was a great chance to see our friend in action and experience an aspect of the DR that most people passing through never see.
Jarabacoa: City of Everlasting Spring
Jarabacoa is nestled in the Dominican Republic’s Cordillera Central. We’ve come to visit a friend, hike some waterfalls, and explore a less-traveled part of the country.
Santo Domingo: Viva La Revolucion!
Our third and final day in the capital started back at Hotel Conde watching Dominican life unfold in the square.
Dominican Carnival!
Reveling in Dominican Republic Carnival — a lively, vibrant, and surprisingly competitive event in Santo Domingo.
Santo Domingo’s Zona Colonial
Day Two brought out the Dominican sunshine and people, allowing for a nice stroll around Old Town Santo Domingo and its many historical and fascinating sights.
Meet Me in Santo Domingo
This spring we took a trip down to the Caribbean to explore the oldest Western settlement in the New World and visit a missionary friend.