Saturday, July 14, 2001
Total Miles Traveled: 4100 miles

In Cusco
Altitude: 11,000 Ft
Weather: Sunny, 70 F

Lima to Cusco (Cuzco)

Arriving in Cusco is very different from Lima. Not only the obvious, that Cusco is at 11,000 ft, but airport has jet ways, the weather is sunny, and mountains are all around.

We read in our guides that Cusco has many pick-pockets and to be careful with you belongings. As we picked up our luggage, we noticed that Claudia's bag had been open. On further inspection, nothing was missing, and this put us on guard for thieves.

Due to the altitude change, we were instructed by Explorandes to take it easy today. We arrived at our hotel, San Augustine Plaza, and had 2 cups of hot coca tea. Coca tea is made from the coca leaves, which are legal in Peru. It is used for altitude sickness.

Cusco is considered the Scared Inca Valley, and the heart of the Inca civilization before the Conquistador. During the afternoon, we took a guided-tour to some of the Inca ruins and cathedrals around town for a 3-hour tour.

At each tour stop, we were mob by locals selling anything from mantas (Peruvian blankets), candy, and photographs in traditional Peruvian clothing. No Gracias! We will wait to visit the Indian markets.

The first visit was to Santo Domingo/Coricancha. This is a church that was built on top of Inca ruins. In Inca times, the Coricancha was literally covered with gold and is a great example of Inca architecture.

The next visit was to La Catedral, started in 1559 and took 100 years to build.

The next visit was to Sacsayhuaman, which means 'satisfied falcon' in Quentian, the native language. It is a large site that is at 13,000 ft on a nearby mountain. The ruins are amazing. How the Inca moved these large stones and cut them so precisely is a wonder.

This is where I felt the altitude! I got a small headache and shortness of breath. Claudia and I were taking altitude sickness pills, which kept us from becoming ill. Others on the tour showed signs of altitude sickness.

The next visit was to Q'enqo, which means 'zigzag'. This ruin consists of a trail that zigzags through the limestone rock. There are many Eucalyptus trees and the smell reminded of the Bay Area in California.

The next visit was to Tambo Machay and Puca Pacara. Tambo Machay has a ceremonial stone bath, and to drink from water is said to make you fertile. I took a drink and Claudia declined.

Our last stop was at an Alpaca factory. The Peruvians use wool from Alpacas and Baby Alpacas for sweaters, blankets, and ponchos. There are many imitations on the streets, so we got our lessons in the difference between real Alpaca and fake.

After our 3-hour tour turned into 5-hour, we quickly went to the hotel for the initial meeting of our Trekking group. The group is small, with 10 hikers and 2 guides. The guides made sure everyone had sleeping and duffel bags, and explained the details of our trek.

Claudia and I went to dinner at La Ratama in the Plaza. We enjoyed our Pisco Sours and wonderful pasta, good for the trekking ahead. We were entertained by local Peruvian musicians and dancers.

Pick-up is at 6:45 am for the train ride to KM88.