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.

PAPEETE, FRENCH POLYNESIA

By Patricia Patrick • January 19, 2026
I got to go Sailing Again! We were supposed to head to the COOK ISLANDS after the lovely Rangiroa and the Tuamotu Archipelago, but due to stormy weather there, with all unprotected tender ports, they made the decision to head us southwest, back to the protected port in Papeeta (Tahiti). We got lucky and Holly ( pictured below) found us a sailboat available for charter.

RANGIROA, FRENCH POLYNESIA - Drone Shots

By Patricia Patrick • January 14, 2026
Since Janette Emerich is generous enough to share her drone photos with all of us on board the Ship, I have to share them with you all. This beauty is why I said we felt like we were in a screen saver the whole day in Rangiroa! I love the height perspective in the photos it really captures so much more. Blue Lagoon below:

RANGIROA, FRENCH POLYNESIA - More Drift Snorkeling

By Patricia Patrick • January 13, 2026
The water in Rangiroa is so spectacular, I wanted to spend more time drift snorkeling and checking out the area called " The Aquarium ". So today I went back out for a 3 hour session to do 3 drift passes in Tiputa pass and then spent an hour in an area with wonderful healthy corals and tons of fish, earning it the nickname " The Aquarium ".