South America – Camera & Carry On

Ancient Ruins & Natural Beauty: Our Best Pictures of Machu Picchu

Michael — Mon, 25 Jan 2016 16:33:47 +0000

Believed to be a sacred site of ancient Inca leaders, Machu Picchu was unknown to outsiders for hundreds of years. At 7,970 ft above sea level on a mountain ridge above the Sacred Valley, the combination of historic ruins and natural beauty is amazing. We put together a pretty complete collection of articles about our wonderful trip to Peru and Machu Picchu (find the others here), but this is the end all be all photo post! So check 'em all out, let us know what you think, and don't miss the handy "Pin Me" image toward the bottom of this page.

(Click an image to expand it larger)

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P I N M E !

Save this "Amazing Photos of Machu Picchu" image to your Pinterest board to keep track of these awesome images, and remember where you can go, and what you can see!

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16 Photos to Get You Excited About Traveling in 2016!

Michael — Tue, 12 Jan 2016 16:12:08 +0000

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Well it's that time again, time for resolutions and reflection. If you're reading this, there's a good chance one of your resolutions for this year is to travel more. To help you visualize this, I've searched through 10s of thousands of our photos, and found 16 of my absolute favorite panoramics that I hope will encourage you to travel in 2016! Not only are these some of our most spectacular images, but they're also from some of our most treasured destinations. From the most bustling cities, to the calm and silent, there's always something great to capture.

(Click an image to expand it larger)

Santorini, Greece

Siat, Switzerland

Machu Picchu, Peru

Bruarfoss Waterfall, Iceland

Trulli of Alberobello, Italy

Cliffs of Moher, Ireland

Seville, Spain

Koh Yao Yai, Thailand

Cusco, Peru

Puerto Ayora, Galapagos Islands

Great Wall of China

New York City

Sligo, Ireland

Mont Salève, France

Amalfi, Italy

Gruyères, Switzerland

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P I N M E !

Save this "16 Photos to Get You Excited About Traveling in 2016!" image to your Pinterest board to keep track of these awesome images, and remember where you can go, and what you can see!

The post 16 Photos to Get You Excited About Traveling in 2016! appeared first on Camera & Carry On.

Inca Corn and Llamas: The Art of Exploring Machu Picchu

Shannon — Thu, 03 Dec 2015 02:40:33 +0000

After months of research, planning, dreaming, and preparations, we made it. Guide and group-free, completely on our own, we did it! Basking in the sweet glory of accomplishment, we savored unparalleled views atop the ancient summit of Machu Picchu. A sight for sore eyes, a bucket list destination, new world wonder, whatever you call it, it's flippin' glorious. But I suppose that's all a given - you're already prepped for a mind-blower, so I'll stop selling it. Just saying, it's that good.

My jaw dropped. My leg popped. My heart skipped a beat.

Somewhere between posing with an llama and eating corn snacks on a rock face, I was able to grasp the sheer magnificence of Machu Picchu. In order to fully appreciate what I'm talking about, you'll just have to see it for yourself. And when you do so, you'd better enjoy it to the absolute fullest. It goes a little something like this...

The Art of Exploring Machu Picchu, As We Do

In short: Arrive early, take it slow, admire the view, and have fun!

And there you have it. Just another day in the life of two humble travelers that enjoy furry creatures and snacks with a view. Have any special tips to share for exploring Machu Picchu? Do tell, do tell. In the meantime, one last image to tickle your brain...

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<<< P I N M E !

Save this "The Art of Exploring Machu Picchu" image to your Pinterest board for easy reference when you're ready to plan your Peruvian adventure. Happy Travels!

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A Complete DIY Traveler’s Guide to Reaching MACHU PICCHU!

Shannon — Tue, 17 Nov 2015 17:50:30 +0000

A complete guide to reaching Machu Picchu in an easy step-by-step list and know before you go tips -- all the info I wish I had planning our Machu Picchu adventure!

Want to visit Machu Picchu independently but nauseated by the idea of planning it yourself? Your head is probably spinning from all the tour companies vying for your booking. The plus of going the tourist route? Just follow along and have your camera ready. The con? A micromanaged schedule with little wiggle room for free spirit, and a hefty price tag. I know it sounds like a mother to organize on your own considering all the nuances and moving parts. But I assure you it's tots doobs (totally doable -- try to stick with me here). Know how I know? Because I am a magial, DIY-travel wizardress. I've been there, done that, and have put together a step-by-step guide to reaching Machu Picchu, and other tid bits you'll want to know before you go. Basically, all the stuff I wish I could have found in one place before planning our grand adventure.

GETTING THERE + BACK // How to Reach Machu Picchu

PLAN AHEAD. I cannot stress this point enough. This is a trip you can't do in a fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants style. You'll want to have your Machu Picchu tickets (and Inca Trail pass with guide, Huayana Picchu tickets, etc.) or whatever you plan to do BOOKED IN ADVANCE. More on that down the page.
Fly to Cusco and spend the night, unless you manage to get a super early flight and still have time to catch the last train to Machu Picchu. Not likely, though, so rest up!
Leave your bags at the hotel in Cusco and pack your trip essentials in a day/backpack. Most hotels will let you without a charge.
Ride the train to Machu Picchu Pueblo. The train station is actually in Poroy, just outside of Cusco. Plan for 30 minutes to get there by taxi. Then enjoy the passing scenery through the big windows. Note: the photo below is from the Expedition train.
Buy your bus ticket for the next day to Machu Picchu. Unless you'd prefer to hike up the steep and winding path to the citadel (if you ask me, a complete waste of energy and you won't see anything pretty!), you must get your ticket a day ahead of the ride. Make this a priority upon your arrival to Machu Picchu Pueblo.
Wake up bright and early for Machu Picchu! You're going to want to reach the summit before the crowds. Big groups start rolling in around 9 or 10am, then again in a big wave around 1pm. We recommend hopping on the bus up to Machu Picchu around 5:30am. Hop down the page to see more about your actual Machu Picchu ticket. You will need to have purchased this IN ADVANCE!!!
ENJOY! You've been planning this trip for months, and now you're finally there. Enjoy every minute. Don't rush. Stop to smell the llamas. Take a zillion photos. Close your eyes, then open them and soak in every bit of ancient splendor.
Freshen up and eat something. If you've still got your hotel room for a bit, take advantage and shower your stinky self. Then fill your belly! A day walking around Machu Picchu will leave you feeling ravenous or thirsty for a pisco sour.
Catch the train back to Cusco/Poroy around 3:30pm (the earliest departure). You'll be exhausted and ready to move on from Machu Picchu Pueblo by then. It's overpriced, small, and touristy, so get outta there.
Spend some time in Cusco. Now's your chance to savor a really nice meal and stock up on cozy alpaca gear. If you can schedule in a little extra time, you'll be glad you did.

COST BREAKDOWN // Help! How much will it cost?

With the exception of your flights to/from Cusco, here's a pretty good idea of what you can expect to spend on some of the key items of your Machu Picchu journey. The conversion at the time of our visit in August 2015 was about 1 PEN to $0.30 USD. Prices listed per person (unless otherwise noted) in USD.

Taxi from airport to historic center of Cusco, $6/taxi
Taxi from center of Cusco to Poroy station, $10/taxi
PeruRail roundtrip ticket Cusco/Poroy to Machu Picchu Pueblo, $157
Roundtrip bus ride to Machu Picchu site, $24
Machu Picchu ticket, $41

PACKING ESSENTIALS // Don't forget these items

Check back in the near future for the whole kit & caboodle packing list, but there are some standout items you'll absolutely want to bring. Get your list started now with these:

Bug spray
Sunscreen and a hat
Light (but warm) jacket
Hiking/walking shoes
Comfortable, breathable pants
Motion and/or altitude sickness meds (more info below)
PEN, aka Peruvian Nuevo Soles (order ahead from your bank at home to avoid yucky exchange booth fees)

BEFORE YOU GO // Need to know stuff...

Know what you want to see before you decide on dates. This is crucial, especially if you're planning on climbing Machu Picchu Mountain or Huayna Picchu. If you don't know what I'm talking about, you're still in the early stages. Do a little more research on what there is to see/do, then come back here.
Book your Machu Picchu tickets + hikes + climbs in advance. This ties into my first point above. Very limited quantities of visitors are permitted to climb the mountains around Machu Picchu, and those tickets are sold MONTHS in advance. To check availability and book your tickets, visit the official booking site here.
Your train tickets to Cusco are also important to buy ahead of your trip. You can purchase those here. Tip: Go for the expedition class train. Not worth the cost for the Vistadome (just slightly bigger windows, but the same view!). Take into account your flight schedule. If you're able to go straight to Machu Picchu Pueblo upon arrival in Cusco, do it! But don't forget to spend a few days in the gateway city at some point.
Visit your physician to see if you need any vaccinations, and also request altitude sickness meds (like acetazolamide). Many visitors suffer from mild symptoms as a result of the dramatic change in altitude. At nearly 8k feet above sea level at the summit, and 12k in Cusco, chances are you'll find yourself taking a little longer to catch your breath and get from A to B. Obviously do what you're comfortable with, but I was only too happy to fill a rx to ensure my body would adjust easier.

Be practical and avoid anything flashy. Leave the gems and stilettos at home. Peru is a relatively modest country and I assure you, your trip to Machu Picchu is not the appropriate place to show off your hottest fashion finds.
Most likely, your suitcase will not be making the journey to Machu Picchu and Machu Picchu Pueblo (formerly Aguas Calientes) with you. There are additional fees on the train for oversized bags (daypacks are suggested), so pack as light as possible OR leave your luggage in your hotel in Cusco for a few days. This is very common and many hotels will store your big bags until you return.
Buy drinks and sandwiches in town before taking the bus to Machu Picchu. Technically, food is not permitted inside the Machu Picchu site. However, many people bring snacks, sandwiches, and beverages. Be smart - don't litter - and you can find a quiet spot to sit down, relax, and enjoy lunch with a gorgeous view of the citadel!

For more on exploring the ancient site, sign up for our newsletters (see sidebar!) and we'll alert you when the new post is up. I'll be talking about how much time you need at the citadel, what to bring for the day, where to snag the quintessential MP shot, sharing gorgeous photos... you get the idea.

RESOURCES

In case you missed these links above, you will find these sites VERY valuable:

PeruRail roundtrip train tickets -- http://www.perurail.com/
Official Machu Picchu Tickets -- http://www.machupicchu.gob.pe/
Reward Boss's " How to Book Machu Picchu Tickets Online" -- http://therewardboss.com/2013/10/08/how-to-book-machu-picchu-tickets-online-in-only-a-few-minutes/

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P I N M E !

Save this "How to Get to Machu Picchu" image to your Pinterest board so you don't lose these awesome tips in the interwebs. Happy Travels!

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6 Reasons to Give Cusco a Chance

Shannon — Wed, 14 Oct 2015 18:15:27 +0000

What city does almost every traveler en route to Machu Picchu pass through? If the title didn't give it away - get on your game, homie - it's Cusco, Peru! Sadly, it serves as just a stopover for most, but I've got 6 reasons to give Cusco a chance. You heard me -- don't skip it! In the planning stages of our trip, we him-hawed about how long to say, if we wanted to travel straight on to Aguas Calientes, yada yada. Even with all my research, the internet was no help to me. Boo. All I could find were articles on altitude sickness and how my brain and lungs would be on no speaking terms (more on that in another post). Long story short, we sandwiched two days in Cusco around our visit to Machu Picchu; just enough to rest after 24 hours of airplane travel and layovers (*shakes fist in the air*) and still have a chance to see the city. Without further ado, here's why I dug Cusco and think you might, too... 1. VIBRANT COLOR and CULTURE. The locals are a good bunch and for the most part, down right friendly. Tradition and heritage are alive and strong in the community; a unique Inca culture with a Spanish influence. Sundays are reason enough to get together in the nearest square for a day of music, food, dancing, and entertainment, and the celebration is open to any and all. These are hard working people that appreciate life, so why not enjoy it? 2. ALL the SAVORY THINGS. Lomo Saltado, Chifa (Peruvian style Chinese food), Frankenstein-monster corn, meat sticks, avocados (these are OMG good), quinoa soup... You guys, I could keep going. I did not expect to eat as well as I did, and honestly, writing about this is making me really hungry. Damn you, taste bud memories! Craving some of the delish food we had our last day (see hearty plates above). Yum-yum in the tum-tum. 3. BABY ANIMALS. When three women dressed in gorgeous, traditional clothing approach you with tiny lambs and alpacas (because they will), suggest you hold one (or all!), and offer to take your photo in exchange for a small donation of your choosing, you DO IT. Why did I? Because I did not grow up on a farm or spend my weekends at a petting zoo. And who can resist those wittle, fuzzy faces?! Not me. It's the kind of cuteness that makes you want to bite them. 4. EASY(ish) WALKING and a PRETTY CITYSCAPE. The -ish bit is thanks to the altitude. What wonders we folks of sea level living are privy to traveling at great heights. Thankfully we weren't fully incapacitated, but inclines were met at a slow pace. For stunning views you might want to take your time trekking up windy, narrow steps, but it's not a must. Take it easy wandering the Barrio de San Blas for picturesque sights at ground level. The main square, Plaza de Armas, is a prime spot for people watching and filling up your SD card. You honestly can't take a bad picture here. 5. FRESH and FRUITY. Fruit juice is a thing in Peru, so get used to it. But I'm not talking Tropicana or made from concentrate stuff. EW! This is the real deal. My favorite? The orange, mango, banana blend. At home, those flavors wouldn't turn my head but let me tell you, in Peru, flavors are amplified. The smell of citrus was so intense; my nose awoke from a 29 year coma. I can't recommend the juices enough. Drink, drink! Blended smoothie style, there's amazing texture from pulp and fruit bits, along with the aforementioned intoxicating scents. 6. HANDMADE and HANDCRAFTED. Let's start with alpaca. You can get nearly any piece of clothing made from alpaca fur, in varying colors, texture, fineness. I'm talking scarves, sweaters, hats, gloves, bags... then there are the rugs, blankets, pillows. The only thing I didn't see was alpaca underwear, but that's probably because I didn't look hard enough. Did I mention the woven baskets, pottery, textiles, statues, silver? Well, now you know. I'm not a big shopper, and I'm stingy at best, so when I spot high quality for cheap, I'm white on rice, baby. Head to the Mercado de San Pedro with your extra suitcase, and you can thank me later. Or better yet, just buy an alpaca bag there and fill it.

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Just to recap... eat, walk, eat, take photos, snack, walk more, hold a baby animal, eat, sleep. My happy, simple cycle was seamlessly upheld. Kudos to Cusco. Woo!

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Video: Exploring the Galapagos Islands on Land & Sea

Michael — Tue, 06 Oct 2015 13:27:40 +0000

If you've heard anything about the Galapagos Islands, it's probably about the abundant variety of unique and interesting wildlife just hanging out there. From tortoises of mammoth proportions, to birds that appear to be wearing blue socks, there is certainly no shortage. Shannon and I took our cameras to the highest peaks, and the deepest seas (ok not really such extremes, but we saw a lot and and it was pretty EPIC!) to film these alluring creatures up close and personal!

For even more awesomeness from our Galapagos voyage, check out these other posts:

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A special thanks to Andean Travel Company for hosting us during our 5 day adventure aboard the Nemo I Catamaran and sponsoring this post. It was a wonderful experience we're so pleased to support. As always, all opinions, text, and images are truthful and our own. See our ethics page for more information.

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