Following the footprints of the incas..

So we climbed to Machu Picchu. It took as two hours and we were barely alive as we reached the top to admire the magnificent views of the lost Inca city. It was well worth it when we finally reached it but it was a really steep climb. After resting a while and taking the usual touristy pictures, we wandered around the ruins and I have to say that the incas creations are really impressive.
The Inca empire was the largest empire in South America before the spaniards came, and their territory streched from Colombia to Chile. We've learnt a lot about the Incas and as a result they are now in my top 3 favorite people. (They also invented my beloved potato!!)

To relax after the exhausting climb, we decided to head for the hot springs. Yet another 30 minute walk and we reached the thermal pools. We were floating there, enjoying the hot water, that was doing miracles to our sore muscles, suddenly Nicola appears (my friend who I was travelling with for the first month). It was a cheerful reunion and we decided to go out all together the following night. Happy times.. :)

Before reaching Machu Picchu, everyone has to go through Cuzco. I was warned that it 's really touristy, so I didn't have much expectations. But as it turned out, it was a really beautiful city, with cobbled streets and many pretty churches. We stayed there 4 nights and had a good time. We stayed in a hostel called Loki (I recommend!) and it was situated on top of a hill, so yep, we had lots of practice before climbing MP, but the breakfast room had a great view over the city and it had a fun atmosphere. Time flew as we were busy supporting the handicrafts markets and rocked the dance floor at local bars;)

Today we took the morning flight to Lima and have been (once again) plesantly surprised. Everyone was telling us to skip Lima, but it's not all that bad. We just came back from this charming outdoor mall, located by the sea and now heading to the hostel for a Mexican feast.
Next in our itinarery is Costa Rica and the plan is simple. Enjoy the sun (before returning to the cold cold Finland.. hrrr...) and maybe touch up my surf skills.. ;)