Cusco is both a modern and ancient city, but above all, it is charming. And, at 11,200 feet above sea level, it is also a city of deep breaths as well as entrancing vistas. Our hotel, the Marquesas has a helpful staff, lots of hot coca tea (all the better to adapt to the altitude, my dear) and a room on the second floor. It is only our first full day and I don't know if I'll make it up the stairs to our room, maybe I'll just keep drinking tea in the outdoor courtyard. Today, we meet our group of nine travelers from all over the US, a variety of young and old, couples and singles, all with the same goal of exploring the Inca valley and the highlight, Machu Picchu. We also meet Marco Antonio, our intrepid tour guide, we will learn over the course of our trip, that there is no obstacle that he cannot turn around into an opportunity. He speaks english, spanish and Quechua, the Incan language, he can also read between the lines and seems to answer our questions before we have formulated them.
It is a lively group that explores the city, starting at the Cusco Market, here can be found everything from fresh killed pigs to gladiolas, from one of hundreds of varieties of potatoes (No! Potatoes are not from Ireland as we thought) to medicinal concoctions for whatever ails you. I settle on a mangoe smoothie. Delicious!
From there we learn more about the Inca culture at the Museo INKA. We learn how the Inca culture flourished for only about 100 years, yet had such an incredible impact on the land and people. How Pizarro and the Spanish invaders killed the Inca leaders and tried to kill the culture, too. How the buildings of today were built on the foundations of the Inca buildings that stood here before the occupation, the Temple of the Sun became the foundation of the Catholic Church of today. We learn of the scientific and mathematical prowess of the civilization that existed so long ago. We learn that the history of this country is a living history, not something in a page of an ancient book, but a culture that is both Inca and Spanish, a multi-layered history that continues to this day in the Andes.
We have used Adventure Life Travel before and we where impressed with the outcome of their handling of our travel arrangements. So we are using them again on this vacation. Tilly has been very helpful and we put our complete confidence in her! We feel very comfortable using Adventure Life.
Jerry Hatley
7 hours ago
Erin was responsive, knowledgeable, helpful, and ran through a few different choices with us. She got us a fabulous price on a trip, and made everything easy to do. And QUICK!!
Tina
1 day ago
Excellent trip saw much more than would have seen with out Adventure Life's help.
Anonymous traveler
3 days ago
Erin made things easier than I thought possible. So good at answering questions in a timely manner and explaining all. I feel she looks out for me.
Fran Folkman
3 days ago
Very personable and knowledgeable! Able to answer questions and provide advice based on personal experiences.