28 Nov 2023, Tuesday

Prioritized Daily Task

Cuzco Breakfast at the hotel. Today, set off on a fascinating half-day tour of Cuzco. Begin in the iconic Plaza de Armas, and visit the Cathedral. From here, walk to the Koricancha Temple, an impressive ancient Inca palace, in honor of the Sun God. Today, a Dominican church stands on the site. Finally, visit the lively San Blas neighborhood, known for its artists, shops, and artisan workshops. Spend the remainder of the day at your leisure, soaking up the atmosphere of the city and sampling the local cuisine. Overnight stay in Cuzco.

*Optional dinner at Tunupa Museo Restaurant: A perfect occasion to enjoy a wonderful dinner in the heart of Cusco, with magnificent views of the Plaza de Armas and a lively and colorful show with live music and traditional dances.

Dinner at Tunupa Museo Restaurant

Restaurant located in the heart of the Inca city of Cusco,

it offers an impressive view of the Plaza de Armas with a

dinner-show from 7:45pm to 9:00pm where you can

enjoy typical music and dances, traditional of the area.

Duration: 01:30h Approx. Pick up time: 19:30h Approx.

What's included: Transfers are included

Physical rating: Light

Available

Half-Day Cusco Tour

Embark on this tour of Cuzco and acquaint yourself with

the most iconic locations of the city; from the San Pedro

Market and the Plaza de Armas to the Cathedral and

Koricancha Temple. Duration: 03:00h Approx. Pick up time: 14:00h Approx.

Physical rating: Moderate Included

The hotel packed us a sack breakfast because we left at 4:30 a.m. We stopped about 2 hours from Cuzco for a breakfast that was provided on our tour. On the way back we stopped at the same place, Allin Haimukuy, in Cusipata for buffet meals. We rode for about 30 minutes on the highway we took from Cuzco and took a dirt road to the left another about an hour and a half. The road was only a single lane in some places along the river going up in the mountains. The van was 4-wheel or all-wheel drive. There were many 180-degree switchbacks. In some places the van was too long to make the turn and had to back up and get a better angle at the curve. When we met a vehicle coming in the opposite direction, one would have to stop and pull over if possible to the other vehicle go by. If that would not be possible one of the vehicles would have to back up to a wider place so the other could pass. The van stopped at the entrance to the trail to one of the PALCCOYO, Rainbow Mountain at about 15,000 feet above sea level. We hiked by the stone forest on the top of the mountain about 16,000 feet. The stone forest is about 16,500 feet above sea level. The mountain belongs to the local Incas’. They maintain the trail with flat stones from the stone forest. Some of the locals bring their handmade items and sell to tourists along the trail. I bought Debbie a pair of alpaca gloves. Some of the locals brought alpacas and llamas so we could take pictures. It is a continuous process repairing the road and trail up to the rainbow mountain. The rain washes away the roads and trails and in some cases, landslides take them out. Our van got stuck on the way back because one of our group left her phone at the site when we began and ended our hike, and our driver had to turn the van around. Marco, our guide, put a rock under the back weal to keep it from sliding off the hill and having to be towed. The driver and guide put dirt, gravel, and other things under the front wheel that was spinning. Everyone got out of the van and pushed. Our tour guide drove and we were able to get back on the road. On the way up, Marco bought loafs of bread, and handed them out to the local. On the way down, some Inca women who were watching the llamas and alpachas, Marco gave a loaf of bread. The one in charge of the others bought some potatoes they had been eating and gave to Marco. There were two types, both very small, one was brown, the other was purple. We got back to Cuzco and the Agusto’s hotel. I tipped the guide and driver as we have most of those who have served us. I talked to the manager of the hotel. (see journal Nov. 25th) Debbie and I had prayer together before going to bed.