2025_26 Oosterdam, Cusco, Peru...

Our last day in the Sacred Valley was spent touring the sites of Cusco. Every corner of Cusco is filled with history. During the Inca Empire, Cusco was the ancient capital of Peru and today still preserves remnants of the most important power of this ancient civilization. We were picked up by Allen our driver and Edson our Guide. First, we headed to the heights of the city (12,142 feet) to the impressive archaeological complex of Saqsaywaman, one of the greatest Inca constructions, where massive megalithic stone walls fit perfectly together without mortar. After the Spanish arrival, the site was partially dismantled, with its stones used for colonial buildings in the city center. As well, we enjoyed the best views of the city of Cusco including the Plaza de Armas in the city center. On our way back down to the city we stopped at Manos de la Community, a rescue reserve for Llamas, Alpacas, Vicunas and Andean Condors and a textile museum. This was a great stop to see the animals and the condors feeding on a Llama…We also got to see the condor spread its wings…the average wing span is nearly 11feet. On our way back down to the city we stopped at San Cristobal Church and viewpoint over the heart of the city center. Just as we arrived back at the car it started to rain with lightning and thunder. Once down in the city center we stopped at San Pedro Market… this was timely as the thunderstorm was in full force. We toured the market with its local produce, products, souvenirs and food stalls and even bought a round of empanadas for us…very tasty! We continued to dodge the thunderstorms by staying inside…it was good time to visit Coricancha, the legendary Temple of the Sun, and the main ceremonial site of the Incan Empire. The Spanish colonists built the Church and Convent of Santa Domingo on the site, demolishing the temple and using its foundations for the cathedral which together with the Convent of Santo Domingo displays a fascinating combination of Inca and colonial architecture. From Coricancha we went to the airport for our flight to Lima. We arrived safely into Lima and everything went smooth till our van broke down leaving Lima airport. Our tour operator Elizabeth immediately called for a backup vehicle to rescue us and off we went to the hotel for our overnight in Lima. We had an amazing trip to the Andes Mountains…I had previously visited Machu Picchu and Cusco but never the Sacred Valley…What a hidden gem! The trip was like reading a National Geographic magazine on the Southern Andes mountains…the scenery is absolutely stunning and spiritual in many respects…We loved the vibrant culture and the friendliness of the local people. We wanted to take this opportunity to thank our friend Paola for connecting us with her friend Elizabeth our tour operator and Elizabeth for putting this fabulous trip together for us. To our driver Allen, our Guides Edson (Sacred Valley and Cusco) and Joel (Machu Picchu) for their amazing skills and knowledge of the Incan society…They were the best! It’s a wrap… Joining the Oosterdam this afternoon. One last thing…Happy Thanksgiving to all our family and friends.