I woke up early this morning, far too early to be called restful. Sleep eluded me, but maybe it was the anticipation of the day ahead, or the strange barracks style feel of the Lima Costa del Sol. Breakfast and coffee were included, and we slowly met other people with NatHab tags on – our fellow explorers. We eventually all gathered in the Lobby where the NatHab staff took care of our luggage and our tickets and got us to security, which is more relaxed than in the US. The energy was infectious as we gathered at the gate, making introductions, ready for what lay ahead.
Charlie appreciates the orderliness of Delta’s boarding process, so when a mob of people walked out to a bus to drive to our plane, she was out of sorts. But we still had seats in the equivalent of Comfort Plus, and our LATAM flight was smooth, quiet, and relaxed. Soon enough, we were in Cusco. Our group was looking around, trying to figure out what to do about bags and transportation, so I went outside, and there was Francis and Willie waiting for us. What a relief – they had porters all set, and all we had to do was gather ourselves, hop on the bus, and have a snack they seemed to always have while they started educating us on Cusco and the Incan Empire.
Once on the bus, we set off toward our first destination: Saqsaywaman. The ride was an adventure—skinny, steep roads winding through a landscape dotted with dogs trotting alongside us. Saqsaywaman, with its massive stones meticulously placed without mortar, was a marvel. Willie took the lead and shared fascinating stories about how the Incas integrated natural rock formations created by lava and earthquakes into the structure. One of the highlights was sliding down the rocks of El Rodadero. Inspired by Francis’s childhood memories, Charlie and I couldn’t resist taking on the challenge.
Amy, however, started feeling the effects of altitude sickness. Sitting at the back of the bus didn’t help, and we were all concerned, but she insisted she’d be fine.
Next, we visited a group of authentic alpaca weavers and tapestry makers . They explained how to differentiate real baby alpaca wool from the imitations, a skill I never knew I needed but deeply appreciated. After sipping on warm tea, looking at Peruvian tapestries, and feeding some adorable alpacas, we browsed the handmade goods. Each item told a story of tradition, and I found myself captivated by their craftsmanship.
By lunchtime, we arrived at Pisac. The market buzzed with life despite the drizzle. We sat down for a hearty meal—delicious chicken, creamy ice cream, and my newfound love: InkaCola. The rain started to pick up, but that didn’t stop us from exploring. We shopped for yellow clothing, a New Year’s Eve tradition for luck. Charlie bought some rocks, and Amy found skull souvenirs for her crew back home, adding a mystical touch to her collection.
As the rain thickened, we hurried back, pausing briefly to admire a local brick oven before hopping on the bus again. Our journey took us uphill to a fascinating terraced farming site. Here, we learned that the terraces weren’t communal but likely owned by the wealthy, who taxed the locals through labor. Corn thrived here, thanks to the three feet of topsoil, a testament to the Incas’ ingenuity. We even encountered a native woman leading her goat down the hill, a scene from another era. Willie, our guide, shared a few local words, and Charlie seized the moment for a picture with the woman’s goat, which she was happy to do for some cash.
After an hour’s ride, we reached Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba, our home for the next two days. The hotel welcomed us with bags already in our rooms—a king bed and a pullout sofa, perfect for us. We noted the little quirks, like the “no toilet paper in the toilet” rule, a reminder of being in a different world.
As the evening unfolded, we celebrated New Year’s Eve with a lavish buffet. The band played classics, including “El Condor Pasa,” whose origins stirred a lively discussion about Paul Simon’s adaptation. I tried alpaca steak for the first time—tender, flavorful, and unforgettable. Amy, unfortunately, had to retire early, her sickness catching up. Charlie and I stayed with the crew, laughing and enjoying the night until around 10 PM. We ended the evening cheering as the Packers won their game in Spanish commentary, though we didn’t quite make it to midnight.
As I lay in bed, I reflected on the day. It was a whirlwind of history, culture, and personal moments that I’ll carry with me forever. Tomorrow holds new adventures, but for now, I’m grateful for the rich tapestry this day wove into my journey.