Monday, October 15 The trip consists of a Train ride of 2 hours aboard the Expedition train, followed by private ground transportation from the Ollanta Station to our hotel in Cuzco (1 hr 30 minutes drive). The service has all comforts including air-conditioning, heating, quality sound systems, overhead luggage compartment, snack tables and panoramic windows. Due to limited space, PeruRail will only accept 1 carry-on bag or backpack. We arrived at Cuzco at around 7:00 PM. The town was alive and many young students holding school events. http://youtu.be/E2oLQXRHafM
Los Portales Hotel
Twin Standard
Tuesday, October 16 Breakfast at 7:30 AM
We spent most of the morning at the beauty salon and spa a few doors away. Luz said she had the best Inca massage in her whole life.
Maida giving highlights to my long hair - she did a good job. Better than Mario Tricoci.
Passing by the Palace of Justice on our way to the main plaza
The city of Cuzco (Cusco) was the capital of the Inca Empire, the most extensive and powerful state ever to exist on the continent of South America - expanding as far as Colombia, Chile and Argentina. In spite of the ravages and damage during the wars of the conquest and throughout the colonial period, a great deal of archaeological evidence remains. The original name was "Qosqo" which means "navel of the world." The Incas gave their city the shape of puma, which was an Inca deity.
The ubiquitous statue of King Pachacutec
Cuzco Cathedral - There's an entrance fee of 10 Solis. I was a bit surprised - a church charging money.
The Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro on March 23, 1534. The church was the first to receive a plot of land upon which to build the city's cathedral. The church contains real treasures of Peruvian art and paintings from Cuzco School and majestic choir stall.
Altar at the small chapel next to the church (free)
Inka Museum (Fee: 10 Solis) - Contains priceless archaeological treasures, remains and paintings - providing information regarding the empire's glorious and majestic past. A must see!
Cute restroom but no toilet paper - glad I had extra toilet paper in my handbag. Travelers should always have toilet paper with them.
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