Cusco Hotel

January 2011 - the 14th. What an incredible Cusco hotel journey we are having, to fly into this ancient town.

As we arrive into Cusco, we are gliding in between the beautiful Andes mountains for nearly 20 minutes, before making our descent. At more than 10 000 ft above sea level, we are aware of oxygen levels, altitude sickness, etc, but we are prepared!!

For the Incas, Qosqo meant 'navel of the world".

I am so excited, as we have a great tour organised - 2 days in our Cusco hotel, 3 days in Macchu Picchu and back another night in Cusco.

Let me tell you about our fantastic stay in this Cusco hotel.

We are booked into the Novotel Hotel, a 4 star hotel in Calle San Augustin 239. It is really in the heart of the historic centre, near Plaza de Armas Main Square. This is a spot where important Inca religious and military ceremonies were staged.

On arrival, we immediately drink 2 cups of cocoa tea. This helps for altitude sickness. The inside of the Novotel Hotel is beautiful - Peruvian old world style with a beautiful patio and watrer fountain in the middle - very cool and inviting.

Our luggage is taken upstairs, and once inside the room, Louis and I lie down for about an hour after unpacking and checking out the lovely cool bathroom and the rest of the room ( the outside temperature is still close to 30 degrees C)

This Cusco hotel is very central , just 2 blocks from the centre of Cusco and at exactly 2pm we are picked up by out travel assistant Mari, for a 3 hour tour of the city.

At 6 pm we returned from our tour and are dropped off in front of the Plaza again. We walk the 2 blocks back to the hotel. Everywhere little girls approach us, selling pens with little dolls glued on, small purses, hand embroidered articles, etc.

Oh, it's so nice to arrive back at the hotel, tucked away in this small street. On arrival, we are very tired and hungry. Some people are already enjoying their drinks in the courtyard and there is a peacefulness around everything.

Louis and I share a Pisco Sour (traditional drink from Peru, made with Pisco Brandy) - delicious. ..Afterwards, we have a quick shower and return for a fantastic meal. Imagine this .......small round tables, cobble stone floor, water dripping from the fountain, and to the side - a small orchestra playing, a violin and a small guitar. Slowly, slowly, we start to relax. I order soup with lovely fresh bread and Louis has a small fillet steak with some veggies. We both order a glass of red wine .......

The name of our waiter is Fredy and he does a great job. 2 Peruvian native ladies walk in with a big wrapped parcel and unpack their stuff: handmade dolls, belts, and small woven blankets. They promptly sit down on the floor and start weaving. They have bright, thick red skirts on and little hats wrapped around their heads. Both are weaving new belts. I walk close up and start talking to them but they don't understand a word. They speak Quicha (the native language of the Peruvians). I buy 2 belts and a little doll. I watch them, they talk and weave and talk and weave, until 9pm and pack up and leave.

Louis and I retire to our room, no 322 upstairs. The bed is huge, and the mattress comfortable and hard and the room lovely and spacious.

Ahhhhh............I can feel myself drifting away.............. Return from Cusco Hotel to Home Page