Peru - Day 2

Sunday, March 18, 2006

We woke up at 3:30am. Got picked up at 4am, and headed to the airport to head to Cusco. This is where you have to fly to if you want to check out the Incan Ruins of Peru....

Neill trying to maximize his sleep
Dave and I pretending that we're happy and awake
LanPeru
An hour later.... Flying into Cusco!
In the Cusco International Airport

We arrived into Cusco with little idea of what we were going to do. We figured this was going to be a trip of spontaneity! Anyways, we used one of the travel agents at the airport to help us plan out next few days.

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So this was our plan:

Monday - Drive through Sacred Valley to check out a few of the Incan Ruins. Get dropped off at Ollantaytambo to catch the 8:30pm train to Aguas Calientes.

Tuesday - Take the bus from Aguas Calientes and explore Machu Picchu early in the morning! Before all the crazy hikers from the Incan Trail, and before the tourists taking the train from Cusco show up.... Recuperate at Aguas Calientes that evening.

Wednesday - Take the 6:30am train back to Ollantaytambo. Get picked up and driven back to Cusco by early afternoon. Explore Cusco.

Thursday - Rafting in the Urumbamba River!

Friday - Head back to Lima

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The travel agent also helped us book a room at the Hostel Intiwasi, a place that looked nice from the outside, but a dump on the inside. We decided to stay there the evening, but searched around for a nice place to stay when we get back from our trip to Machu Picchu. We found a nice place called the Hostel Cusco Plaza I for only a few bucks more! ($50/night for a triple!)

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Anyways, that morning, there was a parade. We never did figure out what the occasion was, but it was a good opportunity to take some interesting pictures...

Peruvians in traditional dress + a lamb
Plaza de Armas
Plaza de Armas

People getting ready for the parade!
Went to a cute little cafe for lunch! (Including empanada, torta, y cafe)
Pretty balconies
Views from Plaza de Armas

Rooftop views from Hostel Cusco Plaza I

At night

Fountain in the Plaza de Armas

Oh yeah, I forgot to mention that Cusco is at high altitude (over 10,000 ft), so man, we were huffing and puffing just walking around. Stairs suck! Altitude sickness is really common, so it is recommended to come prepared taking either Diamox (acetazolamide) and/or drink lots and lots of Coca Tea. Yup, tea made from the leaves of the same plant cocaine comes from..... I love the fact that Dave can now write prescriptions. I went running around filling my script for acetazolamide that day we flew out. I'm sooooooooo grateful for it. It definitely helped ME adjust to the altitude. I handled the Cusco area much better than my last trip to Colorado several years ago (climbing Mount Elbert, uh, let's not bring back memories of THAT horrendous hike)....