Yala Designs: Yala Destination: Machu Picchu, Peru

Preparing for a trip - wherever you go - requires packing. Make sure you are equipped with all of the necessities to ensure your trip goes smoothly and that, most importantly, you are comfortable and confidant in the clothes you travel in...

For traveling abroad in a third world country, where you may not be able to roll a suit case from one hotel to the next, we recommend packing light. Make sure you pack things you like and wouldn't mind wearing again.

Our Organic Cotton Jacket and Organic Cotton Long Pants are perfect for a thick warm layer for high elevations. Our Bamboo Dreams® Tessa Tank Top is an ideal base layer in soft, breathable fabric- great for layering or by itself when the sun comes out. Throw on our Cashmere Scarf if you know you'll need something to keep the chill off. You will fall in love with our cashmere, as its amazing softness and warmth can dress up any outfit while being totally functional. It also holds up well after lots of use.

Now that we're packed, let's hit the road!

Machu Picchu

Imagine the most amazing ruins you have ever seen: 7,000 feet above sea level and nestled on a small hilltop between the Andean Mountain Range, the majestic city soars above the Urubamba Valley below. The Incan built structure has been deemed the “Lost Cities”, unknown until its relatively recent discovery in 1911.

Archaeologists theorize it was most likely a retreat for Incan rulers. Due to its isolation from the rest of Peru, living in the area full time would require traveling great distances just to reach the nearest village. This is still the case if you want to visit today, however after a lengthy plane ride, there is now a train and bus ride that will get you there a little faster!

Train to Aguas Calientes, town below Machu Picchu

Agricultural Terracing

"Separated into three areas - agricultural, urban, and religious - the structures are arranged so that the function of the buildings matches the form of their surroundings. The agricultural terracing and aqueducts take advantage of the natural slopes; the lower areas contain buildings occupied by farmers and teachers, and the most important religious areas are located at the crest of the hill, overlooking the lush Urubamba Valley thousands of feet below." - Bonnie Hamre

Machu Picchu's Sun Temple

Hikers, tourists, and the early explorers describe similar emotions as they climb their way through the Inca Trail. Many call the experience magical. We encourage you to hike along the Inca trail, look at the Sun Temple from above, and sit for a while in the grass, just to take in the experience fully.

Until next time, happy travels!

Lauren of Team Yala

Yala Destination: Machu Picchu, Peru