Okay, so we arrived in Lima just fine and we were planning to enjoy our layover and exchange money and etc. However, due to the massive lines at immigration, baggage drop, and security, we barely got to our plane on time. Due to the bookings, Caitlin was on a flight 20 minutes after us so we met in Cusco, but the flight was only an hour. While we waited for her, we stopped by the Peru Rail booth and picked up our train tickets.
Our dutiful driver and booking agent met us at the airport. I had booked Cusco Transport for our transfers and guided tours by private car. I was a little nervous as with any international bookings and language issues, the emails would be a little confusing. One time they sent me the itinerary and referred to me as "Mrs. Gong". My response: "I don't know who Mrs. Gong is, but the itinerary looks like ours." I wasn't sure if I was more offended he called me Mrs. or another Asian sounding name...
We got to our hotel in about 20 minutes and is the Palacio del Inka, a Starwood hotel. The hotel is gorgeous and with Jamie's platinum status, we are only paying $75 per night along with her points for this 4 star hotel! Nakia, I hope you're jealous as I know you were afraid if you came, we'd be in hostels the whole time!
Immediately they served us mate de coca or coca-leaf tea to help battle the altitude sickness. The altitude is about 11,150 feet and everyone recommends taking it easy on the first day and to stay hydrated! Lucky for us, we were upgraded to a suite and had 2 bathrooms, so we have plenty of room to relax! For the win!
We rested for a few hours and made our way to Avenida El Sol, the main street, and bought a Boleto Turistico which will let us into about 16 sites in the Cusco and Sacred Valley for 130 soles (around $50).
We then headed to Plaza de Armas which is a mecca for international travelers and has a few churches. As we were hungry, we then went up a hill on a road called Suecia where we lunched at Kusikuy, well known for serving delicious guinea pig - a Peruvian delicacy. We all decided we will have to try it once, but today was not the day.
Already battling a headache, I got incredibly unsteady walking up the hill and nauseous. I ended up not eating and had to lay down on a sofa. I felt bad about embarrassing my companions (they said they were cool with it as I had turned stark white), but the restauranteurs were incredibly understanding. We were also the only ones there mid-afternoon. The girls had lamb ribs, chicken and beef kebabs, stuffed peppers, and a chicken casserole which by all accounts was delicious. After lunch, we went back to the hotel and napped for a few hours. The restauranteurs said that this would help acclimatize. Even all our toiletries were affected as all our bottles and packages were squirting and busting open due to the altitude pressure. Needless to say, it provided some comic relief as we all had issues!
We rested for a few hours and made our way to Avenida El Sol, the main street, and bought a Boleto Turistico which will let us into about 16 sites in the Cusco and Sacred Valley for 130 soles (around $50).
We then headed to Plaza de Armas which is a mecca for international travelers and has a few churches. As we were hungry, we then went up a hill on a road called Suecia where we lunched at Kusikuy, well known for serving delicious guinea pig - a Peruvian delicacy. We all decided we will have to try it once, but today was not the day.
Already battling a headache, I got incredibly unsteady walking up the hill and nauseous. I ended up not eating and had to lay down on a sofa. I felt bad about embarrassing my companions (they said they were cool with it as I had turned stark white), but the restauranteurs were incredibly understanding. We were also the only ones there mid-afternoon. The girls had lamb ribs, chicken and beef kebabs, stuffed peppers, and a chicken casserole which by all accounts was delicious. After lunch, we went back to the hotel and napped for a few hours. The restauranteurs said that this would help acclimatize. Even all our toiletries were affected as all our bottles and packages were squirting and busting open due to the altitude pressure. Needless to say, it provided some comic relief as we all had issues!
During our naps, Mary Ann went down to the bar for some coffee and met a friendly Texan who visited a church with a painting of the Last Supper - the painting had guinea pig on the table! We decided if it was good enough for Jesus, we were going to have to eventually try it!
For dinner, we went to Inkazuela that was on the Plaza Nazarenas where they were known for their stews. I had a coconut chicken curry with ginger that was tasty. The restaurant was adorable with a fireplace and a very attentive waiter. We split a bottle of Malbec to toast our first night in Peru! All of us felt a little short of breath, Mary Ann saw flashing blue lights, and I ended up getting sick - but I rallied and got to finally eat. I have now learned from Caitlin, I shouldn't have drank all that orange juice on the plane as the acidity doesn't go well with alititude sickness. Hopefully, the altitude sickness will go away soon - they say it hits you mostly on the 1st day.
For dinner, we went to Inkazuela that was on the Plaza Nazarenas where they were known for their stews. I had a coconut chicken curry with ginger that was tasty. The restaurant was adorable with a fireplace and a very attentive waiter. We split a bottle of Malbec to toast our first night in Peru! All of us felt a little short of breath, Mary Ann saw flashing blue lights, and I ended up getting sick - but I rallied and got to finally eat. I have now learned from Caitlin, I shouldn't have drank all that orange juice on the plane as the acidity doesn't go well with alititude sickness. Hopefully, the altitude sickness will go away soon - they say it hits you mostly on the 1st day.
So we're back at our hotel, and organizing overnight bags for a day tour of Sacred Valley by private car organized by Cusco Transport. They're picking us up at 7 am and dropping us off in Ollantaytambo where we will take a train to Machu Picchu!
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