Peru: Day 6 - Cusco & Lima

 We finally got to sleep in! We had a quick hotel breakfast and then Damny picked us up for our final morning in Cusco. We were taken to Sacsayhuaman Archaeological Park and learned a lot about the known and unknown history of the fortress that was built there. 

We went back to the city centre and went inside the church that we had passed many time but this time entered. It was very different than what I expected. Lots of Peruvian art that had been heavily influenced by the Spanish during their crusading and missionary work, imposing Catholicism in a way that the Peruvans could understand. This led to a lot of different styles of art, sculptures, interpretations and ideals about Christianity and also modern art and culture that influenced the spiritual sector of Peru and beyond!

We had time for a quick lunch before we were taken to the airport to fly to Lima. We arrived late in the evening and referenced our airplane napkin again to walk to a place called Punto Azul. The portions were huge and with drinks to match (Pisco Sour for Max)! Another lovely evening, cool and dry just walking around the capital of Peru. 

Peru: Day 5 - Vinicunca Mountain

 Another early morning, we left our hotel and picked up another couple that was also going to hike Rainbow Mountain. We stopped for a quick breakfast and then arrived at 7am at the base of the mountain. It was a much shorter hike than yesterday but a sharper ascent and elevation. The peak is at 16,522 ft above sea level. Damny smirked when he saw visitors riding horses and motorcycles to the top and told us we were NOT going to need that kind of assistance. We will take it one step at a time. I was definitely challenged on this trail, taking many breaks getting up to the top. It was amazing to see the colors and the valley below! 

I'm glad we did this hike, as it's one of the most iconic places to visit in Peru. Had we not done The 7 Lakes of Afdfdsajf, I probably would have been more impressed. But after the tranquil and magical hike from the day before, this place was nothing in comparison. Our descent was much easier but we saw the swarms of tourists coming up the mountain (walking, riding horses/motorcycles) and we were grateful to have come early in the morning when we did. We stopped at the same place for lunch on the return and got back to Cusco around 3pm. We went over to a local museum and wandered around the town square. We made a stop at a convenience store to get some local beers and snacks. We were floored at how little our total came to, for all the Gatorade, Coke, two beers, chex mix, and candy, it was only $7.

We had reservations that evening at Chicha por Gaston Acurio. Abby and Nate had recommended this prix fix menu and it did not disappoint! It had seven courses, two of which were desserts. Pisco Sour aperitif plus three wine pairings. Everything was delicious and I can say that I did, in fact, try the guinea pig, in the form of a delicate Pekin-style guinea pig taco. Like that, it was quite delicious!

Peru: Day 4 - Seven Lakes of Ausangate

 Early car ride with Damni to the 7 Lakes of Ausangate. We arrived and had a small breakfast with Damni and our driver. We were again the only two on this journey for this hike. As I said before, we did this with a travel agent and so sometimes I wasn't always very aware of how much distance it was to get to one of these destinations OR how long these hikes and journeys would take... In this case, it was probably better we didn't know. 

Starting at 14,000 ft elevation, we hiked with Damni over 15 km. He only told us these facts when we were over halfway finished. We saw seven stunning glacier-fed lakes, surrounded by rolling hills opposite the Vilcanota Mountain Range. It was difficult with the altitude, with Max and I battling headaches and some dizziness at different points. Damni was cautious and allowed lots of breaks, hydration,and also something he called an elixer, which basically you huffed and it opened up your airways. It was a strange feeling but we both used this elixir a few times and it shook off the dizziness, if not for a while.

It was an amazing hike. I don't think Max or I were adequately prepared for what lay ahead. The beauty, the spiritualness, the tranquility. We had deep conversations with Damni about his life growing up on a coffee farm, and being raised by his grandparents. We took a moment of silence at one small magical 'lake' where we cast our wishes and prayers to God. It was definitely one of the most spiritual moments being there with Max and experiencing this incredible place together. 

We were exhausted on the way home and slept a lot of the loopy, curving and bumpy drive home. We looked at our airplane napkin to find a place to eat and ended up at PachaPapa. We had the most delightful abuelita serving our table. She didn't speak any English but had no trouble at steering Max away from what he intended to order, to order something completely different off the menu 😅 It was a fantastic meal and an entire bottle of red wine. The night was cool and we sat out on the patio while someone played music in the corner. It was the best way to end our 4th day in Peru :)