Peruvian Birthday!

Hola! Caroline here back in Ollantaytambo after our treacherous 15 mile climb, yes, 15 miles... I was lucky enough to have a Peruvian birthday yesterday and turned 17. The hike through the Andes Mountains lasted a good 7 hours, but was completely worth it. None of us had ever seen such pretty views.
Despite the challenge of the hike most had nothing negative to say. We've been having feasts for every meal. I wouldn't be surprised if I'm still full a week from now. After hiking we camped out at the aguas calientes (hot springs),



which felt like heaven. At dinner I got a birthday card that everyone had signed and it made my day. My favorite part of the day was the part of the hike right before lunch when the weather was perfect and as Morgan put it, "we are on cloud nine." Even though we were as high as 14,000 ft no one got sick and we are all still smiling.


Group photo at the hot springs the morning after the hike.

I couldn't have asked for a cooler birthday than to be in Peru with my friends.

P.S. Thanks for the birthday cards Mom, I love you!