Peru, South America, 2002

We were lucky enough to visit Peru, the world’s most sought after vacation spot, in February 2002. Although we were there only for ten days, we have seen some amazing sights plus we didn’t feel rushed. Had a great time all the while we were there. Even though we first came to Cusco which is at 11,152 ft. above sea-level, the same day as we arrived in Lima, altitude sickness didn’t not hit us until much later.

My husband is a great trip planner, his meticulously planned trip meant he identified all must-sees in the planning process. Our itinerary included Lima, Cusco, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Puno, Lake Titicaca, Ariquippa, and Colca Canyaon. I am sure there is a life time of travel and things to do in Peru, but in ten days we managed a good chunk of the most exciting and mind blowing cultural and culinary experiences.

Since he organized a guided tour, we were met by Maria, our guide, when we arrived in Lima. Maria received us at the

With Maria, our guide in Lima, Peru

airport and took us to downtown area for breakfast, after that we hit the highlights of the city and then on to the airport to fly to Cusco. We arrived in Cusco late that afternoon to a hotel where we were booked, and we were ready for our history and culture fix, and to the scenery like no other. The hotel in Cusco was very comfortable. And after a few hours rest we went down for dinner to find that along the dinning area wall were long tables set with teapots with hot water, some fresh tea leaves, and cups for self help. We were told that the leaves were cocoa and drinking cocoa tea  alleviates severe altitude sickness. Cocoa tea is everywhere in Peru. Yes, it comes from the same plants from where cocaine comes but it is nowhere close to the potency of that illegal drug. It is believed to be safe to drink except that overdoing it could cause palpitations.

After a good night’s rest we got up for our day of sightseeing in Cusco. After breakfast our guided tour began and  the  first stop was Sacsayhuaman which is a citadel in the vicinity of Cusco. our guide told us that it is referred to as ‘sexy woman’ as a technique to remember the name.  It is the most incredible ancient ruins in Peru which, apparently, even predates the Incas. The  most breathtaking part is  how the stones are cut carefully to fit tightly even without the  use of mortar at an altitude of 12,142 feet above the sea level. According to the Inca legend the “site was built by gods who descended from the heavens”.

It was a very rainy morning when we arrive at the site. A lot of vendors were lined up along the walls trying to sell their wares. Since it was raining, they covered their articles of sale with thick white plastic sheets while they covered

Vendors infront of Sacsayhuaman Ruins, Cusco

themselves with thick blue plastic sheets for some reason. It was fascinating and at the same time heart rending to see their plight for making a living.

Later we were headed out to Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu by train which offered amazing views of snowy mountains along the route.  The train took us to Agua calientes where we had to disembark. We had a bus ride from Agua Calientes to Machu Picchu. The bus went right along Urubamba River in the Sacred Valley with steep Canyon walls on either side. For us the most fascinating part  was the fast gushing river which seemed to be on a rolling  boil and we tried to figure out why, and realized that the river bed was strewn with gigantic rocks creating mountains and valleys making fast flowing  river go up and down with amazing speed making it look like it was boiling.

Train to Machu Pichu

Urubamba River flowing through the valley of Agua Caliente

My immediate thought was that it was the reason the town was called Agua Calient ( boiling water).  But, apparently, the area is known for its  hot springs; therefore, the name.

We got to Machu Picchu from Agua Caliente by bus. Machu Picchu sits 7,970 feet above sea level overlooking Urubamba River  below.

Machu Picchu

In 1911 a Yale University Professor found the lost city which was covered in vegetations, and  was never visited by Spanish Conquistadors. The building around Machu Picchu are also built with granite stone precisely cut and fit tightly without mortar just as found in Sacsayhuaman ruins in Cusco. It is one of the most famous archaeological sites and probably a dream location on most travel lovers bucket list. It covers 80,000 acres of Terraced fields where the crops like maize and potatoes were grown at one time. The lush green valley with  terraced fields rising from the edge of the site were once used for  growing crops makes you feel like you are in a world which seems so alien that your heart beats with excitement. The place is dotted with local people in their traditional garb tending the llamas and alpacas. Llamas are obviously used for transportation, and their wool for making clothing and blankets, and their meat for food.  The  surrounding two twin mountains, Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu, are  huge cones with their peaks almost touching the skies  enwrapped in wispy  clouds with their magical beauty enhancing the site to a spiritual significance.

Alpacas, Machu Picchu

Kids in traditional garb with llama

we were provided the history and fascinating secrets of this archeological site by our tour guide. When the tour came to an end, It was time for lunch and we were all headed to the restaurant in the area. As we entered the restaurant, there was a heavy downpour with no end in sight.  Anyway, it gave us time to  eat our lunch without being rushed to move on to the next place.  But it was interesting that as we finished our lunch, it stopped raining too and we could get back to our normal activity. It was time to head back to Cusco from once in a life time visit to one of the most desired destination in the world. Look for more to come on Peru.

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