Cusco, Peru

Cusco, Peru ~

I just came back from a six-day “on-the-go” trip with Gate 1 Travel to Cusco, Peru with my friend Monica. Gate 1 meant every word when they said on-the-go. I was totally exhausted by the end of the trip, however, I would do again if I could. I had such an amazing and humbling experience that I will never forget for the rest of my life.

On day one of the trip, we had to catch a flight to Lima for 11:45 p.m. but it was an hour delayed. It took seven and a half hours to get from New York to Lima. Once we arrived on day two of the trip in Lima, we had a two-hour layover to Cusco, Peru. Our flight to there was also delayed. I started to think to myself, “this is a bad way to start a trip,” but we finally took off.

Soon as we got there, we had to wait on the tarmac for twenty minutes. We just couldn’t catch a break. Finally, we got off the plane and met with our tour manager Edson, who was waiting by the transportation the company provided for us. We thought we were going to our hotel to refresh; however, there was one bus for everyone who chose to tour the Sacred Valley and the Pisac Village. Monica and I were on that bus. We were totally distressed. We didn’t get to wash our face, brush our teeth, but on the way, we went.

Tour Of Sacred Valley and The Pisac Village

The Sacred Valley was a very scenic place. The valley received its name because of the fertile farmland in earlier times. It was so incredible to see the different Peruvian people in their neighborhoods as we drove through the valley. There is a quote they live by, “For you today, for me tomorrow.” It’s all about helping each other in their community, rather it’s building their homes or helping with the farmland.

Next, we stop at a restaurant called Horno Tipico for empanadas and ate them right from the outside oven. It was a nice, tasty treat. Then we went to a jewelry store, where we learned the difference between real and fake silver so we would know while shopping. When we got to the Market, we were able to buy a few souvenirs after bargaining with locals. It gave us an opportunity to learn about their money, Sol. Three soles equal a dollar. Later, we went to our hotel called Inkallpa Valle Sagrado in Urubamba, a small town. The hotel was lovely and had a serene feel to it. After a long day, we finally got to unwind, but it was short-lived because dinner was ready for us at a local restaurant.

Day 3

Day three consisted of waking up at four in the morning to get ready for the highlight of the trip, visiting Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. We took our Gate 1 bus to the Sacred Valley’s Ollanta Station to catch a train. It was an hour and a half train ride to get to another area for a bus that would take us up the mountain. Riding up to Machu Picchu is not for the faint-hearted. You literally can look out your window over the edge. There are some spots with no railings at all to stop a fall. When you reach the top, you have to climb more steps to get to the ancient citadel of Machu Picchu. Nevertheless, once you are able to witness the astonishing sight, all the travel is so worth it. I couldn’t believe my eyes! I was in awe of the beauty that was before me. Describing the area would do no justice. You will just have to make a trip there.

After spending some time exploring the ruins, we left for lunch. I tried one of their famous dish called Ceviche. It was raw fish and it was good. I only tried a small part because I didn’t want to have an allergic reaction. It would have totally sucked to get sick during the trip. In the evening, we drove to our new hotel called Jose Antonio Cuzco located in Cusco city. It was a nice hotel, but very modern compared to the other.

Day 4

On day four, we participated in a Cusco city tour which took us around to the Plaza de Armas, the Basilica Catedral, and the Qorikancha (Temple of the Sun). Beautiful architecture and so much history. You can really see the difference between the Spanish and Inca influences throughout the city. When the tour was over, we broke away from the group to explore on our own. We had lunch at Calle Del Medio located right in the Plaza. It was the best food we had the entire trip. Also, we tried to visit the Chocolate Museum, but we were too late. So, we went to get a full-body massage for an hour that was only twelve dollars. Talk about a bargain right! Plus, we made new friends with the girls who did our services. Great way to end the night!

Final Day

Before we made this trip, Gate 1 informed us to bring school supplies because we would probably visit a school if time permits. We finally got that opportunity in the morning. I found out Gate 1 sponsors the school we went to because the government doesn’t help. The kids didn’t have much but seeing the joy on their faces touched my heart. They sang and showed us what they were learning. I made sure I got each one of their names. I will continue to check on their progress and to see if there are more ways to help them.

Our next stop was a textile place. We saw firsthand how they made beautiful clothing, pillows, and rugs with Alpaca, a very common commodity throughout Peru. Later, we ended our trip with toasting at a bar, saying our goodbyes, and thanking the Gate 1 representative Edson, Marcos, Freddy, Edwin, and much more for being so helpful every step of the way. Monica and I arrived back in the U.S at 8:30 in the morning the next day reminiscing about the remarkable time we had in Peru. It truly was a fascinating trip!

If you are going to make a trip to Cusco, Peru here are a few tips:

Make sure you bring medicine for high altitude sickness, sinuses, and allergies.
If you plan to go shopping, you will need crisp, new money. They will not take old or torn.
Most of all, stay hydrated.

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