The last time we came to Callao we immediately boarded a plane for Cuzco and a tour of Machu Picchu. The 15th century Inca Citadel, located nearly 8,000 ft above sea level, sits on a mountain ridge in the Sacred Valley. Built around 1450, it was abandoned a century later during the Spanish Conquest. Although known to the local population, neither the Spanish nor the outside world knew of its existence until Hiram Bingham (a Yale University lecturer) brought it to international attention in 1911.
The first time we came to Lima, we immediately flew to Cuzco.We checked-in at the JW Marriott Cuzco for a two night stay. Because of the altitude, we opted to pay extra and have oxygen pumped into our room!Nighttime in Plaza de Armes CuzcoEarly the next morning, we boarded the elegant Hiram Bingham train to Machu Picchu.Lunch was served on the way.We took full advantage of the observation/entertainment car.The bar in the observation car was always busy!Along the way, we spotted these overnight shelters on the mountainside. Obviously meant for mountain climbers!Amazing structures. A little scary, though! I don’t think I would ever do this. We were quite happy at the JW Marriott!There are steep steps at Machu Picchu–a challenge considering the altitude.Ah but……Machu Picchu is spectacular!We only spent a day there. Sometime, we will return for a longer exploration.Llamas roam freely through the area.They are really cute creatures!We re-boarded the Hiram Bingham for the return to Cuzco.The next morning, we took a final stroll through the Plaza de Armas before heading back to Lima.
We did have an opportunity to tour Lima after the Machu Picchu tour, so Lima was familiar to us. This time, we simply revisited the Plaza Mayor and enjoyed a pleasant lunch just off the square in the gastronomical district of historic Lima.
The Lima Cathedral, built when the City was founded–1535. The Greater Altar is gold plated. The remains of city founder and first Governor, Francisco Pizarro, are entombed here. The building to the left of the Cathedral is the Archbishop’s Palace.The main altar is gold plated.A wooden choir stall is on the right of the altar.The wooden vaulted ceiling.Built as the home of Lima’s founder, Francisco Pizarro, this is today, the Government Palace (residence of the President of the Republic.)This monolith honors Taulichusco, the last of the indigenous people of the Rimac Valley.We stopped for a drink at The Peru Gourmet Restaurant.Enjoying our afternoon libation.Bar snacks–salted corn kernels.The view of the Lima Cathedral from outside the Peru Gourmet Restaurant.
Later, we took an evening tour of Lima and the Magic Water Circuit. We had fun!
St. Martin Plaza at night.The fountains at Magic Water Circuit of Lima.Walking thru one of the fountains at Magic Water Circuit of Lima.But in this one, you get wet!Another fountain as we depart Magic Water Circuit of Lima and head back to the ship.
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Thankyou for taking the time to blog! Thoroughly enjoying pictures. Looking forward to the rest of your journey
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