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January 11, 2025

CUSCO, PERU - Day 2

We started the day with breakfast at our Inn and then we did a 5 hour walking / driving tour of more of Cusco and the ruins. I was surprised how big Cusco is with a population of roughly 500,000. It is the 7th largest town in Peru and the former capital of the Inca Empire. We started the tour in Plaza del Armas again and walked down to the museum of Coricancha, the former most important temple of the Inca Empire. Then we drove out to four archeological sites overlooking the city - Saksaywaman (pronounced sexy woman), Q'enco, Puka Pukara and Tambomachay. All four involved mini climbs and had varying elements of what awaited us at Machu Picchu - a great warm up! A lot of us were feeling tired and still had dull headaches from the altitude. Thankfully, I acclimated well just taking Ibuprofen and smelling a natural oil they provided and you spread on your hands. The views were nice and we went at a nice relaxed pace.    

  • Coricancha Museum, former Ince temple

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  • Astral Map

    tracking solstis

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  • Saksaywaman

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    kids using ruins as slides

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  • Slab for preparing human sacrifices

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  • Slab for preparing human sacrifices

    Slab for preparing human sacrifices

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After the tour we had a light dinner and headed to train / bus station. We then took 4+ hour ride to Aguas Callentes, the town at the base of Machu Picchu. We arrived slightly late and in the pouring rain. A quick walk to our Inn and everyone went to bed.

By Patricia Patrick March 4, 2025
OFF THE COAST OF RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL
By Patricia Patrick March 4, 2025
ILHA GRANDE, BRAZIL
By Patricia Patrick March 2, 2025
Today we spent on the water. We had signed up for a beach and snorkel trip yesterday and had to move to today because we had tender issues into the port and missed the start time. Today was also looking bleak but the charter waited for us and even sent their tender over to our delayed shuttle and rescued us off so we could join the group waiting for us! It was a fun day, swimming and snorkeling over 4 different beach locations. The water, drinks and sunshine were all great fun!
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