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I love to travel and try to reach an international destination each year. Ending up in Peru this year was a bit of an accident.
Because the dollar isn't its strongest these days, I decided to travel to South America. After plans to visit Rio fell through, I began looking online for airfare deals. I stumbled upon an amazing round trip deal from Ft. Lauderdale to Lima, Peru ($380). It was then that I began further research of the country and its biggest draw, Macchu Picchu. My friend, Finbarr, would be traveling in South America for two months and was willing to meet me in Peru in late October (end of high season in the Andes). The following is my daily account of my travels:
Day 1 - After traveling throughout the night to reach Cusco, I arrived at Orquidea Hostal at 8:30 am. Check in/out times in Peru are much earlier than they are in the states (typically between 8 and 9 am).
Cusco is the starting point of most Inca Trail hikes. Travelers from all over the world descend upon its streets before and after visiting Machu Picchu. It's also one of the highest cities in the world at over 10,000 ft. The hostal was located at the top of a flight of stairs and as soon as I reached the top step, I quickly grasped the altitude difference. It was difficult to catch my breath and my heart was racing from very little activity. I drank Coca Tea as soon as I arrived as it is supposed to help tourists adjust to the altitude. It is suggested that travelers take it easy the first day, so my first objective was to nap.
Finbarr arrived about 3 pm at which time we set out to explore the city. Cusco streets are very narrow and so are the sidewalks. At first, I thought the taxis were being rude when they continuously honked their horns as they traveled the streets, but it was their way of politely warning us to make way for their cars.
I purchased "Let's Go Peru" before the trip, but after the hostal and tour bookings had been secured. I trust their books as I've had a great record with them in several countries. It's a great guide to find hipper venues.
We visited the recommended restaurant/club Fallen Angel our first night out. We arrived rather early for dinner so there were no other customers. The dˆ©cor was phenomenal. We wandered around the rooms (themed heaven, limbo and hell) to view art by Peruvian artists. Our dining table was a claw foot bathtub with a glass top to view the aquarium underneath. We spoke to the owner, Andres, to pick up our invitations to the costume party the following week (after our hike). Dinner was delicious. I |
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Typical street in Cusco
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