Amazon Jungle, the Final Frontier

Dawn in the Tambopata National Reserve, accessible only by boat, one and a half hours up river from Puerto Maldonado we find ourselves in the heart of one of the best preserved tropical rainforests in the world. The songs of hundreds of birds resonate in the ancient trees and the unique sound of the Howler Monkey reverberates in the jungle. So the peace of the early morning fog lifts in the jungles of the Peruvian Amazon.

After a 30 minute boat ride along the Tambopata River from our Eco Lodge we arrive at Tres Chimbadas Oxbow Lake with the anticipation of seeing for the first time the giant Otter, Caiman, Horned Screamers and an array of birdlife. The elusive Otter remained elusive this morning, however we were treated to a spectacle by the Horned Screamer and the Black Caiman while gently and silently floating across the lake.

For those with a quick reflex, a spot of fishing saw us catch Piranha from the Lake. These small fish with very sharp teeth turned out to be not quite the man eating fish that Hollywood has been known to portray, but I still would not like to be in the water with them.

The 3 days spent at the Eco Lodge were amazing, with our comfortable accommodation open to the sights and sounds of the jungle. Our group of women's own adventure travelers were treated to nature walks through the jungle where we observed the Parrot clay lick from a specially built blind. To our amazement there was a flurry of birds frightened away, and in the blink of an eye we had the absolutely unique sighting of an Ocelot (a large cat related to the Leopard) attempting to pounce on the unsuspecting Parrots and Macaws. It was right there in front of our blind, a mere 15 metres away and in clear view. We held our breath as the sighting lasted about a minute before the Ocelot disappeared back into the jungle.

That was certainly a once in a lifetime experience for us all. The Amazon Jungle, The Final Frontier was also the final part of our amazing Chile and Peru Adventure.

- signing off, Marika Martinez - Women's Own Adventure

Machu Picchu - through the Sungate

The first view of the Citadel of Machu Picchu is absolutely amazing. You cannot help but to marvel at the sight. The lost city of the Incas is built on a saddle shaped ridge slung between 2 giant peaks. Near vertical slopes drop away on either side, down to a massive bend in the Urubamba River.

Looking down at the Citadel of Machu Picchu from the Sun Gate

Looking up at the Sun Gate in the top left corner of the photo

Our group of adventurous women hiked up to the spectacular Sun Gate (INTIPUNKA), this is where the Citadel is viewed for the first time by those that trek the Inca Trail.

The second day visit to the Citadel saw us catch the early bus at 5.30am from Aguas Calientes, in order to experience the quiet and mystical feel of a sunrise over the Citadel. Even though the morning was shrouded in clouds, the surreal and spiritual experience was overwhelming.

Three members of our group led by our fearless leader Jose climbed the towering Huayna Picchu which is the pinnacle peak overlooking the Citadel. Pan, Sharn and Robina achieved the very steep climb to the top in 45 minutes, from where the view is spectacular.

We enjoyed a tour detailing the fascinating history and archeology of Machu Picchu, and the rest of the morning was spent walking through the ruins imagining the life that existed there. Machu Picchu should be experienced at least once in your lifetime.

The small town built over the Urubumba River below the mountain is called Aguas Calientes (meaning Hot Waters). It enjoys hot springs, a melting pot of people and plenty of market stalls, this was our overnight stopover.

Our journey then takes us to the bustling city of Cusco, filled with restaurants, shops, churches, museums and people from all over the world.

- signing off, Marika Martinez - Women's Own Adventure

Across the Andes to the Sacred Valley

On the 28th of September we flew across the Andes mountains from Lima which is on the coast to Cusco which is in the mountains at 3,000 metres.

From here we traveled to the Sacred valley, a most beautiful valley with the Urubumba River flowing through the centre. We had the privilege of visiting the local Sunday markets in Chinchero which has got to be the most beautiful outdoor market in all of Peru, surrounded by snow capped mountains and spectacular scenery as far as the eye can see. Both Liz and myself were fortunate enough to celebrate our birthdays in this special place.

The following day we visited some of the archeological sites at Pisac and Olyantambo, along the Sacred valley. There is so much fascinating Incan history all around.

The next 2 days were spent trekking through beautiful hills and valleys with a backdrop of mountains and the most stunning vistas to arrive at a small community village where our group of Women's Own Adventure were greeted with the warmest welcome possible. As honored guests we helped the families plant 5 trees as a memorial of our visit to their community and had a wonderful opportunity to interact with these lovely people.

We stayed in their homes and spent time at the pre-school with the beautiful children. In the morning we trekked back to our lovely hotel in the Sacred valley to enjoy another wonderful Peruvian meal.

- signing off, Marika Martinez - Women's Own Adventure