January 11, 2025

CUSCO, PERU - Day 2

We started the day with breakfast at our Inn and then we did a 5 hour walking / driving tour of more of Cusco and the ruins. I was surprised how big Cusco is with a population of roughly 500,000. It is the 7th largest town in Peru and the former capital of the Inca Empire. We started the tour in Plaza del Armas again and walked down to the museum of Coricancha, the former most important temple of the Inca Empire. Then we drove out to four archeological sites overlooking the city - Saksaywaman (pronounced sexy woman), Q'enco, Puka Pukara and Tambomachay. All four involved mini climbs and had varying elements of what awaited us at Machu Picchu - a great warm up! A lot of us were feeling tired and still had dull headaches from the altitude. Thankfully, I acclimated well just taking Ibuprofen and smelling a natural oil they provided and you spread on your hands. The views were nice and we went at a nice relaxed pace.    

  • Coricancha Museum, former Ince temple

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  • Astral Map

    tracking solstis

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  • Saksaywaman

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    kids using ruins as slides

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  • Slab for preparing human sacrifices

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  • Slab for preparing human sacrifices

    Slab for preparing human sacrifices

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After the tour we had a light dinner and headed to train / bus station. We then took 4+ hour ride to Aguas Callentes, the town at the base of Machu Picchu. We arrived slightly late and in the pouring rain. A quick walk to our Inn and everyone went to bed.

By Patricia Patrick June 15, 2025
Somedays are just meant to be beach days, to chill with a friend! First, I did an uber run to nearby Costco in the town of Lihue, where I bought us Tommy Bahama backpack beach chairs! Then we were good to go. Kalapaki beach was just a quick 15 minute walk from the Ship. I realized I did the same thing with my Cousin Cathy , back in 2020, when I was here on my first cruise to Hawaii! Today, I spent the afternoon chilling with good buddy Sherrie Cornett.
By Patricia Patrick June 15, 2025
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By Patricia Patrick June 15, 2025
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