Will Work 2 Travel!: Dana's Travelogue Peru Sept'18 Part 4

Sunday Sept 9 Aquas Calientes to Cusco &Iquitos

Got to sleep in as our train out of town was not until after 3pm. So we took it easy, moved slow, stowed our bags and checked out. We then went to the Baños Termales Hot springs just up the street from our hotel for a soak. I don't mind sulphur smelling water I just prefer it to be hot vs just warm and the warmest pool was labeled at 99 but didn't even feel that warm.

Stream running down the center of Aquas Calientes

Baños Termales

After lunch we took another super scenic train trip. The train was way more crowded than on the way in, most likely due to all the backpackers who take the 4 day Incan trail to get to Machu Picchu. And yet again we had the experience of people playing music loudly from their phones for all to enjoy. Toto...i don't think we are in Japan anymore ;)

We arrived a bit late and after checking into our gorgeous boutique hotel Tambo del Arriero, searched out dinner. We all felt it was a bit of a shame that we'd be staying there less than 12 hours because it was lovely. All rooms on an internal central courtyard in what I imagine is old Spanish style colonial architecture. However we had an early flight out the next morning to get us to Iquitos in the Amazon!

Arrival to the Amazon Sept 10 Day 1 Iquitos

In planning this part of the trip I have to admit I jumped in and ‘encouraged' us to choose a slightly more upscale lodge than the ones that were first proposed by the group. So, we are staying at the Ceiba Tops Lodge by Explorama and I would happily book any of my travel clients here as it is exceptional! I knew we'd all be a little travel tired by this point in the trip, especially if there's a lot of go-go-go. Roughing it might not be the best. This lodge is all inclusive so food and excursions and a guide are all part of the package. We stepped off the plane and they gathered our luggage and took us in a van into Iquitos for a walking/history tour of part of town. Since we'd gotten up so early, most of us were hungry so our awesome guide Ricardo pointed out a place and we sat down and ate before they took us to the boat.

We traveled mostly upstream on the Amazon to get to the lodge which did not disappoint!

After checking in and taking a little rest we were to meet and go for a walk in the rainforest. Appropriately, our walk was postponed for about 45 minutes due to an impressive downpour. We went anyway once the worst subsided. Learned a great deal about the flora and fauna and had many photo opportunities. Saw the Ceiba Tree which is super rare and huge! It was like the live version of Disney's Tree of Life!