The flight to Lima, Peru was good. We flew LAN and were very impressed. The plane was a 767 800 and it was very spacious. I have to say i think i prefer going long distances in a 767 rather than a 747. 8 hours later we arrived very late in Lima. The airport there was great and we literally had to walk across the parking lot to the hotel. We later realized there was a sky bridge and could have avoided the taxi gauntlet but nevertheless we survived.
We greeted by a wonderful hotel staff and got two free drinks. The local specialty is a Pisco Sour. It reminds me of the traditional Daiquiris. Not the strawberry monstrosities we serve in the US but if you have ever had one you know that unique Daiquirie flavor. We dont have them in Washington only strawberry and they arent the same. Anyway these drinks were like the old ones except more bitter.
The next morning we got up and got on a LAN to Cusco. It took one hour. The LAN crew were amazing and efficient. We were only in the air one hour but got drink service and a snack. (a considerable snack). We met four sisters who were in Peru for the first time too. They were very nice and we had a pleasant conversation with them.
The descent into Peru was a little hairy but the view was nothing short of spectacular. Imagine a very high up (12,000 ft) valley with a city in it surrounded by mountain peaks. And the people are so polite rivaling Costa Rica. We arrived at our hotel and we couldnt figure out why everyone was insisting on doing everything for us and wanting us to relax and take it easy. It was only after we got a introduction and welcome, personally, by the owner of the hotel (Torre Dorada-- we highly recommend btw) that we understood why the insistence. We were 12,000 ft up. we had gone from sea level to 12,000 in one hour. To avoid altitude sickness we have to take it easy, drink coca tea and stay hydrated. The altitude was only first evidenced to us after climbing two banks of stairs. We were short breathed, struggling, feeling faint and woozy.
It is supposed to take two to three days to acclimate. We met an Australian couple on the way back from town. They have been here 36 hours already and the gentleman was still struggling. He had to have oxygen (which the hotel has on hand).
We went to the square after a four hour nap for dinner. We ate at the Inka Grill and had an amazing Pepper Steak. We started off with a great appetizer too and finished with a fresh made chocolate tart. It was a much needed, anticipated and enjoyed meal. We walked briefly around the spectacular plaza at night before succumbing to our altitude induced limitations.
A good start. Tomorrow we have our meeting with the Inca Trail tour group. We will soon see just how challenging this hike will be. We leave on Sunday for five days. Thankfully after we see Machu Pichu we take the train back.
That will more than likely be the next post.
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