We headed to South America in search of a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. We hiked four days on the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu (which deemed more physically challenging than anticipated), then jetted off to Rio for surf, sand and sun. Two completely different countries but one amazing trip.

Hola, Peru!: Our trip started off in Cusco, a small town close to the Andes Mountains where we spent two days adjusting to the high altitude (about 11,500 feet above sea level) before heading out on the Inca Trail. The cobblestone streets were lined with colorful hand-knitted hats and accessories (1). Women paraded around with llamas (2) in hopes of making a couple soles for getting their photo taken. Tourists gathered in the Plaza des Armas, shopping for souvenirs and drinking coca tea to prevent altitude sickness.

Our 26-mile hike to Machu Picchu was an achievement all in itself. We endured three nights of camping (one of which was -8 degrees Celsius), steep inclines in the rain and intense migraines from the high altitude. But all that was worth the amazing scenery along the way—we saw everything from waterfalls to luscious green mountains that were so high, we were literally walking in the clouds.
And then, at sunrise on the fourth day, we made it to Machu Picchu (3) or “old mountain.” Words cannot describe how sacred this place felt. But after sitting there admiring one of the natural wonders of the world, only one thought came to mind: “It’s not the destination but the journey that makes a trip worthwhile.”

(post by Kristina and Katie Boiano)