Ecuador & Peru Highlights

This was my first time visiting South America.  The sites, food, people and experience were fantastic.  Here's the highlight reel!

Flying over Costa Rica after an unplanned one-night layover.

Quito, Ecuador - our hostel was right over the plaza. We caught several great pictures of the sunset and city.

Galapagos iguana. There were so many and you had to walk where you stepped.

We did an 8-day cruise to visit 9 different islands.

Galapagos Hawk -- everything is named Galapagos...

Hanging with some shipmates on Santa Cruz island next to the turtle wagon.

The Darwin Center is a breeding ground and refuge for giant turtles.

This is one of the wild giant turtles, hiding under his shell.

On top of a volcano after hiking Isabella island.

We had awesome ceviche (like salsa) at Betos Bar after the hike.

Blue-footed Booby

I can't get over how blue their feet are!

They even had penguins on a few islands - we snorkled with them.

Sunset from the boat.

I thought the baby sea lions were really cute.

Not allowed to touch any of the animals, but giving a hug...

We snorkled with tropical fish, turtles, sharks, sealions, sting rays, penguins and marine iguanas...super cool experience!

After arriving in Peru, we took a taxi directly from Cusco to Aguas Calientes through the Andes Mountains - Sacred Valley.

Some of the best times were sitting on benches and watching people, like these girls playing in the fountain.

Touring one of the Inca ruins, Pisac.

Chillin at another Inca ruin...there are so many!

Near the top of the ruins at Ollantaytambo.

On top of Waynapicchu (tall mountain) at Machupicchu.  It rained all day, so I was really lucky to catch a break in the clouds to see glimpses of the city.