January 28 - Cusco, Peru

We arrived at the port of Pisco, Peru and it is a very dry and arid place. We didn't do any sightseeing, but rather got on a bus and headed straight to the airport to fly to Cusco. Here are some drive-by pictures.

This monument was in the middle of nowhere. It is the entrance to the construction of Los Portales, a new resort community. Probably the next Palm Springs.

This is the typical mode of transportation for Peru.

Royal Caribbean chartered flights for us and while everyone was crammed 3 to a row, I was relegated to the back and had plenty of room to stretch out.

When we arrived in Cusco, elevation 11,200 feet, our tour buses were ready for us under a sign that touted Machu Picchu. I still had my fingers crossed.

We were greeted by locals, who gave us Mundo tea and a flower bouquet. Both of which were supposed to help with the altitude.

Then it was off to lunch at Organika, an all-organic Peruvian Restaurant. The food was fresh and delicious. Some tried the Alpaca, but not me, I wasn't feeling adventurous (this time).

Then it was off to sightseeing. Cusco (Cuzco) was the capital of the Inca Empire from the 13th century until the 16th-century Spanish conquest. We visited the local Baroque-style Cusco Cathedral built on the foundation laid by the Incas more than 500 years ago.

We also went into the Cathedral Basilica of the Virgin of the Assumption (Catedral Basílica de la Vírgen de la Asunción), one of the most beautiful Roman Catholic churches of Peru or as the tour guide said - the world. Its construction started in 1534 and ended 1668. It truly is the most ornate (huge amounts of silver and gold) church I've ever been in; however, we couldn't take any pictures.

We then strolled around the plaza. And of course, they have an Irish pub. While the Dublin (in Ushuaia) is the southernmost Irish Pub, Paddy's is the highest in elevation Pub.

Finally, we made it to the Hotel Monasterio (5 star, Belmont property), which was at one time a monastery. I was truly in need of a hot tub and a nap. The water pressure in the hotel was glorious. They had rain showers, and I have one at home, but not like this one. You basically got a shower and a massage all in one. And of course, they had freebies for us. The little doll was to let the staff know if we needed our room serviced.

Somewhat recovered it was off to the Gala at the historical Templo & Convent Santa De La Merced. Luckily this one was not formal. They had a minstrel show for us upon arrival. And it was announced right before dinner that we would not be going to Machu Picchu. Oh well.

After dinner there was a theatrical show. It appeared to be about Mother Earth and the Sun God and Moon God. It was conducted in Peruvian, and no one was available to translated for us. 😞 It was still entertaining.