Marion Grzanowski recently traveled to the Galápagos Islands and Machu Picchu with Road Scholar.  Day by day accounts of his travels can be found at http://2012-gimp-adventure.blogspot.com/.

Read days 10 & 11 here.

Day 12:

It's a not so bright and early morning for Marion and the group as they have to be up at 4 a.m. to catch their flight to Cusco.  After their flight, they bus to Sacred Valley where they get to see the locals of a Chincheros town in their work environment at a weaving cooperative and learn some of their skills.

[caption id="attachment_4791" align="aligncenter" width="550"] Photo by: Marion Grzanowski[/caption]

Next, the group goes to Pisac Market, a local trading center.

Later in the afternoon and evening, everyone is treated to lectures on the origin of potatoes and biodiversity in the Andes and Machu Picchu and its historical significance.  The question that remains: Will Machu Picchu live up to everyone's expectations?

Day 13:

Today is a very significant day.  It is time for Marion to finally witness Machu Picchu up close. 

[caption id="attachment_4826" align="aligncenter" width="550"] Photo by: Marion Grzanowski[/caption]

The journey to Machu Picchu includes traveling through several climate zones.  Beautiful flowers and birds are the accompanying scenery.

Will Machu Picchu live up to the expectations of the photos Marion admires so much?

Stopped into the chapel on the hotel property, formerly a convent from Spanish times.  Am saying "thanks for the memories."  I am here at Machu Picchu area -- finally.

Road Scholar program #18484 http://www.roadscholar.org/n/program/summary.aspx?id=1%2D4U6DQR

Days 8 &9

Days 6 & 7

Days 4 & 5

Days 2 & 3

Days 0 & 1