San Agustin El Dorado Hotel Cusco

... They have an amazing history with the Incas and the Spanish conquerors and one of the places to see where the two cultures joined is at the Church of Santo Domingo which was built by the Spaniards on the site of the greatest Incan Sun Temple. You can still see the foundation that was built by the Incas between 1439 and 1532. The stone masonry is amazing! The Cathedral on top is pretty cool too, and it has a painting of the last supper with a ...

... with the potato's and then the remaining hot stones were placed on top of the food. The whole thing was then covered over with damp cardboard, straw and earth... The meat was left to cook for 40 minutes and then served to the group, it was delicious, not sure I would repeat the process at home but it was a real treat at the end of a long day.<br><br>Finally we finished the day off with a camp fire, a few beers (our first in days) and some good old fashion conversation.

... there is a large school group visiting and Bevan is much in demand as a photo backdrop. <br>We finally meet up with Kassia and Loz, fresh off their bus ride from hell, to mentally prepare for our Inka trail trek. Another tourist tells us that we simply must buy walking sticks for the trail, it is madness to try without and 'I should know, I'm a physio'. Lauren's advice (also a physio) 10 minutes later when she manages to stop laughing? Toughen up princess.<br><br>

... with fresh ingredients. <br> Our first night of camping was equally impressive. At the base of towering snow capped mountains and in a green pasture lay our spot for the night. Rows of tents were already set up, which was nice since it started to pour within 10 minutes of reaching camp. We relaxed in our tents as the chef prepared us what was to become a nightly tradition of "happy hour." It consisted of popcorn, graham crackers and hot chocolate ...

... an amazing experience for us all. The children dressed Fynn and Edie in their ponchos and hats at the end of the game. I don&#8217;t think any of us will forget today. <br><br>As we were leaving the local women bought out their wares and we purchased a few pieces. They donate a percentage back to the school to purchase school equipment. <br><br>And the day had not finished as on our trip back we stopped off at a local football pitch and we all had a game of football with Edgar and Wilbur.

... that we boarded the plane - I got a seat at 4A - right behind the business class seats, and Danni got 18D - but we didn't mind that after all we've been through.<br>We landed in Cusco an hour after that, took a cab to the city - where we had a hostel booked.<br>After we checked in the hostel, we went on the explore the city - The beautiful Plaza de Armas, the Inka art markets and more.<br>I'll upload pictures later on, as the computer I'm on doesn't support that.<br>

... by the river and it is time totake the road again.<br>1hour drive.....I take that chance to fall fast asleep until next stop!!<br>We stop in a little village calle Ayanthaitambo (sond like that but spelling wrong!!).<br>We go for the visit of the second nicest Inka templa after MachuPichu. When we arrive and see the stairs......after lunch and siesta.....Mmmmmmm 365 stairs to climb at 2500 metres altitud!! One day of the year to climb each stair :) We did it!! Some slowly, some tranquile ...

... physically fit. Our first experience with our private guide coordinator is wondering if she remembered us; there was no driver at the Cusco airport to meet us. We couldn't figure out how to call her on our international cell phone with an Argentinian phone company so after waiting for 30 minutes, we negotiated a rate with someone who Harvey felt was a trust worthy guy in a private car. This guy, Frank, and our driver took ...

... a very interesting city to wander and the people are quite pleasant.<br><br>We had a full day here, half a day on our own and an afternoon guided tour. After a good buffet breakfast at the hotel Joyce and I walked around a bit. Our hotel was located one block from the main square in the historic part of town. There are a number of old churches and a cathedral around the square and nearby. It was interesting just watching the folks going about their daily ...

... are amazing. Very steep - similar to the fiords in Norway or New Zealand. Also it appears the Incas must have been crazy. Any tiny bit of land on the side of a massive cliff and they decide to terrace it - hardly seems worth the effort to me. <br><br>Anyway there are other treks you can do to get there. I met two Irish girls and we walked 28 k down the railway. Of course you are not suposed to do it, but it ...