Day 3 Cuzco then Sacred Valley

Quite the adventures today. We headed off super early from Lima to take a bus to the airport. It was teeming with people, but our check in was quick & efficient. We dawdled about not realizing how long the queue would be to get through customs. Fortunately we got to the gate in time. Chris had told us to pick up snacks as we wouldn’t be eating until about 4. I quickly bought some veggie wraps.

Cuzco is at 11,150 ft - getting off the plane it felt like the ramp was moving under us.

Upon arrival we were taken to a touristy restaurant overlooking the city. The view was nice - the food horrendous. It was a fixed menu, with only a few options for single items. I ate my wrap and Peter ordered the chicken soup. YUK - it was impossible to get the chicken off the bone and the potatoes were rock hard. One member of our group refused to pay for it - his wife is Peruvian so knows how the dish should be made. We polite Canadians didn’t want to raise a fuss, so said nothing. Fortunately, things picked up from here on.
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First stop was a farm when we fed the llamas - great fun. Couldn’t help but wonder when they’d last been fed - they seemed starved. Looking about I noticed workmen creating a new brick wall the old fashioned way - interesting.

Next stop was a view over the city, again for photo ops, then finally we arrived at our hotel. It was down a tiny bumpy road so we had our apprehensions. To our surprise it was totally charming - AMAK Valle Sagrado was set along the Urubambe River surrounded by flowers & greenery.

We lucked out and had a room on the main floor with a small deck looking out on the gardens, river & restaurant. We even had a sitting room - not bad for "charm." class. The highlight, though, was the food - amazing. Don't know where they found their chef - but what a talent. Actually Peruvians are known for their cuisine - and aside for the "rubber chicken" today, we haven't been disappointed.Read more