After our last night in the jungle, we take the canoe to Puerto Maldonado, the bus back to Rainforest Expeditions, and then we're off to the airport for an easy, quick flight to Cusco.
We step off the plane in Cusco and I'm pretty sure I collapse a lung. No, it's just the altitude (around 11,000 feet). We find our guide, Santiago, who takes one look at our pale skin and says, please tell me you have sunscreen! Not exactly the most traditional greeting we've ever heard.
After our mandated rest at the hotel, we grab some water (another hot button for Santiago), slather up in sunscreen, and set off to explore Cusco.
The Plaza de Armas is the perfect welcome to the city. Lots of people, gorgeous colonial architecture, and dozens of these beautifully decorated crosses. Today is the Day of the Cross and local families have been given the honor of decorating crosses all over the city. Each one is unique. The Incas called Cusco the spiritual center of the Andes and we certainly feel it tonight.
We start up a hill just off the Plaza and our lungs feel every step. Now we understand why we were encouraged to spend a couple of days here to acclimate.
Back down to the Plaza de Armas, we watch as the sun sets, turning the sky orange and purple. Staggeringly beautiful. As we take in the beauty of where we are, the sadness of leaving the jungle begins to dissipate.
We have dinner at this funky place called the Fallen Angel. It's during dinner that we start to see Santiago's sense of humor. We're going to like this guy! He's smart and knows his country's history and culture, but he is also wicked funny and only slightly less obsessed with Paul McCartney and the Beatles than I am with the St. Louis Cardinals.
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
1 day ago
Very personable and knowledgeable! Able to answer questions and provide advice based on personal experiences.
Robert Thompson
1 day ago
Erin is a seasoned travel planner and is very personable. She is a good listener and uses our questions and concerns to make the trip just as we want it. She is very good at moving the booking process along and meticulous with the details.
This is why we came back to have her plan this trip for us.
Lynn Oveson
1 day ago
Erin C. was incredibly helpful and thorough. I had answers immediately or within the same day.
Marilyn Snook
2 days ago
Great follow through and help in what needed to be done to have a safe successful trip !