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We flew into Lima, the capital and largest city in Peru. Unfortunately, we were only able to spend one night at Los Girasoles Hotel before meeting the rest of our group and flying to Cusco.
Cusco, often spelled Cuzco (Spanish), is a city in southeastern Peru, near the Urubamba Valley of the Andes mountain range. In 2009, the city had a population of 510,000, and an elevation of around 3,400 m (11,200 ft).
Cusco was the site of the historic capital of the Inca Empire and was declared a World Heritage Site in 1983 by UNESCO. It is a major tourist destination and receives almost 2 million visitors a year. It was the capital of the Inca Empire in the 13th century to 1532.
Altitude Sickness can be a problem in Cusco, but not in Lima, as it is at sea level. Machu Picchu is lower in altitude and does not pose a problem. I started medication before leaving the U.S., but the Hotel Mabey had plenty of coca tea (an Inca remedy) on hand for travelers and oxygen treatments were available for people with breathing problems, like asthma.
Our first stop on our afternoon tour was for lunch at La Casona del Inka or "Inka's House", a traditional Peruvian restaurant. Besides very good food, we enjoyed a very friendly staff and wonderful views of the city under us.
After a leisurely stop and great lunch, we arrived at a memorial to the "White Christ". This was a beautiful setting and appropriate to the Easter Season which we were in. Surrounding the site, were lots of vendors, children, and animals. Alas, many, many photo opportunities were to be had for a small price...."dinero, por favor"! Believe me, it was well worth it!!!
Next stop was at Sacsayhuaman (pronounced like sexy woman!) , which is a walled complex near the old city of Cusco. It was built by the prehistoric indigenous people in about 1100AD, prior to the Incas who occupied the complex beginning about 1200 AD.
Vida, our guide for the afternoon
The next day took us into The Sacred Valley of the Incas, or Urubamba Valley, a valley in the Andes of Peru, close to Cusco and below the sacred city of Machu Picchu. The valley was important to the Incas because of it's geography and climate. Among other values, it is the best place for maize production in Peru. Stopping at an "Alpaca Market", we were given a demonstration of dying the wool and weaving it. The girls who demonstrated their talents were very lovely, colorful, and informative. We had the option of buying real "baby alpaca", instead of "maybe alpaca", as at some markets! After visiting a few more small villages and markets with darling children, we drove back to Cusco to drink more "high altitude tea", have dinner and relax after a very full day. Even on the drive back, we were able to shop!
Baby Alpaca yarn
More vendors on the bus selling jewelry
Ollantaytamob, a town and Inca archaeological site in southern Peru, was a wonderful full day trip. During the Inca Empire, this site was the royal estate of the emperor who conquered this region. Today it is an important tourist attraction because of it's Inca buildings. It is also a starting point for the 3 day, 4 night hike known as the Inca Trail. And, of course, there was another market and more "You want to take picture, Lady?". Every peso was worth it!
Perfect frame!
Another huge market
Ladies of the village
Another full day at Machu Picchu was the highlight of the whole trip! Wonderful, Amazing, Mind boggling, Incredible....there are not enough words to describe this sight! Not even a photo can pay homage to it! But we did try to capture the landscape without frightening the four legged guests! Llamas and alpacas roamed among the humans! Recently named one of the New 7 Wonders of the World, Machu Picchu, "The Lost City of the Incas" is one of the most important historical monuments in the world. It was probably created around 1450 and lies in the Andean Mountain Range above the Urubamba Valley. When we visited, it had just reopened to the public. The site had been closed for 2 months after torrential rains had damaged entrances to the famous archaeological site. Although the site itself was not damaged in any way, the rains destroyed the railroad that brings people to into the site. The rains also closed the Inca Trail, the hiking trail into Machu Picchu. The trail was open when we were there, but the railroad was still only partially repaired. There was still a lot of storm related debris, making hiking a bit difficult.
Part of the railroad that has been repaired
The Inca Trail
The Lost City of the Incas
Socializing with the tourists
Majestic animals at a Majestic place
Our hotel in Aguas Calientes at the base of Machu Picchu
The railroad tracks were not repaired yet
Before leaving Cusco, we stopped for lunch, took a short tour and of course, ended up at a huge indoor market! I thought I would have to buy another suitcase! For sure, I would like to take some of the darling children and animals home! Guess I will have to put them all in my memory bank.
Cusco city square with Cathedral in center
Vendors at indoor market
When at the airport in Lima, we found out the flight had been delayed 10 hours! We did not get upset, because we really did not get to see much of the city when we arrived and now was the time! We talked to a cab driver and he agreed to take 3 of us on a 6 hour tour and be our guide, so with a little wheeling and dealing, he gave us an acceptable price. We never want a trip to end, and this was a great way to extend it! The tour of the city was great and we had a very knowledge driver!
Main Square in Lima
President's Home
Lima Cathedral
Last Lima Sunset
