Cusco

Cusco,Peru
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1/24/2007

Departed the ship for Guayaquil Airport and took a 3 hour flight to Cusco. Upon arrival transferred to Hotel Monasterio in the historical center of the city. Were greeted by many young street vendors anxious to sell us a native made item. They were persistant and tied to get a committment that we would buy something before leaving. One told Sallie to remember his name, George Washington, and asked hers. She replied, Martha Washington. The hotel was lovely. It was a former monestary with a beautiful chapel and gardens. The rooms were verey nice with piped in oxygen for those who wanted it to deal with the high altitude. After checking in and lunch, I took a walk a few blocks to Plaza de Armas and the old beautiful Cathedral on the square. After breakfast we were taken to Poroy railroad station where we had reseved seats on the Orient Express luxury train, Hiram Bingham, named after the man who discovered Machu Picchu in 1911. The train ride took 3 1/2 hours during which a lovely brunch was served while we were enjoying the spectacular scenery of the Andes. We arrived at Aguas Calientes station where we transferred to a bus for a 20 minute ride up a steep, curvy dirt road to the"Lost City of the Incas". We checdked into the rustic Santuary Lodge, the only hotel within the santuary of the famous Inca citadel with breathtaking views. We then went on a guided tour of the citadel, walking along ancient pathways, staircases and terraces, past temples and towers. It was one of those unbelievable experiences.