My recent trip to Lima was solid for meeting cute girls. Here is some updated information on Machu Piccu and Cusco (not a Game report):
Cusco
The former capital of the Inca empire, Cusco I has an elevation of 11,200 feet. Cusco is a major tourist destination, receiving more than 2 million visitors per year.
Weather
Cusco has a dry season running from May to August and the wet season from December to March. The average temperature in July is around 50 degrees F. Cusco is a dusty city so don’t wear your best shoes when walking around.
Altitude sickness is real. Before arriving in Cusco, I thought anyone who is in shape wouldn’t have a problem adjusting. Man, was I wrong. I had attitude sickness for the first two days. I advise laying off the booze at least for a few days while your body adjusts the altitude.
Logistics
Cusco has a small domestic airport located on the edge of the city. You will most likely connect in Lima before arriving in Cusco Airport. Lima represents the closest international airport to Cusco. There are several flights per day from Lima to Cusco. A taxi from the airport to the center of Cusco should put you back about 10-15 Soles. You can also take the local bus to the center, which costs about 1 Sole.
The center of Cusco is small and walkable. There are plenty of taxis available but if you are staying the center, you won’t likely need one.
Sites
•Plaza de Armas: the main center of activity and meeting point in Cusco. The Plaza is a large square consisting of bus, restaurants, shops and churches.
•Sacsayhuamán: the famous Inca ruins above Cusco
•San Pedro Market: A vibrant market where local vendors sell products to local Peruvian and souvenirs to tourist.
•Maras Salt Mines: a great daytrip. You can go with a tour group or hire a private driver to see this amazing terraced salt mines
Impressions
This was purely historical and cultural trip for me. I didn’t approach any women. However for those who come to Cusco to Game as well, Plaza de Armas has plenty of activity during the day and makes it a Daygame home base. There area few decent clubs and bars in the center of Cusco. Going for the tourists at the bars and clubs will be your best change of hooking up in Cusco that has respectable quality. The hot spots change nightly. Ask around upon your arrival for the most up-to-date information on nightlife.
The trip to Cusco was well worth it. I wasn’t let down by all the anticipation of it all. It was just as spectacular as I thought. I kept thinking about how fortunate that I am able and have the means to take these trips.
The scenery is beautiful and the historic sites are fascinating. It was a perfect trip to solely enjoy the experience of traveling without chasing tail.
Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu is one of the most famous archaeological sites in the world and in the top of most travelers’ “bucket list”. Machu Pichu is located 80 KM northwest of Cusco, at an altitude of 8,000 ft. Built as an estate for an Incan emperor, Machu Piccu was abandoned during the Spanish Conquest and not discovered again until 1911. The Spanish never found Machu Piccu, so the site was left untouched for hundreds of years.
Weather
The peak season is July and August. The wet season runs from October-April. Machu Picchu is open year-round. The altitude is more than 3,000 ft lower than Cusco, so the weather is milder. You will encounter less breathing difficulty than in Cusco.
Getting There:
There are no direct routes from Cusco to Machu Picchu. The following are the most common options for getting to Machu Picchu:
1. Hike the Inca Trail, which will take 3 days. You will need to book months in advance, as space is limited.
2. The easiest way is by train from Cusco to Aguas Calientes. The trip is 3.5 hours, each way.
There are three train companies to choose from
•Inca Rail
•Peru Rail
•Belmond Hiram Bingham train
Tickets sell out quickly. It is recommended to book your tickets at least one month in advance.
Take a 30-minute bus ride bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu. The cost is 25 U.S. dollars round-trip.
You can walk from Aguas Caliuentes to Machu Picchu. The hike will take 2 hours each way.
Hotels in Aquas Calientes: Many visitors prefer to spend the night before embarking on Machu Picchu. This is a nice way of breaking up an arduous trip.
•Upscale: Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo
•Budget: El Mapi
Entrance
•Costs 128 Soles
•Book your tickets in advance at:
http://www.machupicchu.gob.pe
•Tickets display your name, so they are not interchangeable.
Impressions
Machu Picchu is the most famous symbol of the Inca Empire and one of the most recognizable ancient ruins in the world. It was worth battling altitude sickness and the time consuming travel for the experience of this must see “Bucket list site”. The spectacular views and mysterious “ lost city” did not disappoint.
My trip to Cusco and Machu Picchu were perfect destinations for “putting girls aside” and traveling solely for the experience of bearing witness to the remains of one of the most interesting, mysterious empires in the world.