This morning we checked out of our hotel and headed to the train station. Again we had first an hour and forty-five minute train ride to Ollantaytambo., then a train ride to Cuzco. The scenery we passed was amazing, first jungle than highlands. We passed the start of the Inca Trail and saw hikers and porters on the trail. I was thrilled to see this first hand since our daughter Kate had done this hike in 2010.
We checked into our hotel and after putting our luggage into our rooms, we headed out to lunch. Everything was pre-ordered, so lunch was quick. Then we went immediately on a tour of the central plaza of Cuzco called Plaza de Armas. The Cuzco Cathedral was next. Pepe took our group through the church highlighting the paintings and the elaborate pulpits. I will never forget the painting of the Last Supper with a guinea pig on a plate. It was painted by an Peruvian artist who used their foods in the picture. He also painted a person next to Jesus without a beard. There is speculation that maybe it was Jesus’ younger brother or Mary Madeline. Also there were statues of Jesus on the cross with a long skirt rather than just a loin cloth that we see in our churches.
Everyone in our group went along with Pepe to a nearby restaurant for supper. Then most of us retired for the evening. Tomorrow we will be going to small villages outside of Cuzco for “A Day in the Life” to learn about the Peruvian culture in the rural areas. O.A.T., Overseas Adventure Travel, feels it is very important to have “hands-on”cultural experiences. Check out tomorrow’s post to find out what we did. Buenas notches!
What a great day! You are seeing so much and learning so much!! I love your pictures! Have fun!
Love all your pictures! Thanks so much for taking the time to share them.