We are off to the Peru Treks office this morning. We have decided that even though I am feeling better at the altitude in Cusco, no nausea and less fatigue, I am still feeling the effects of the altitude whenever I exert myself. I am guessing that the pneumonia has left my lungs weaker than they were. So we are sure that this trek will not be very enjoyable for me. We hope that Peru Treks will be able to help us with alternatives.
Sad day. We had to cancel our trek. They have no alternatives for us. Other companies offer 2 day treks that are less strenuous, but permits are not transferable and there are no permits available until October.
Greg and Leslie are getting their briefing and Stu and I head to the Plaza to see if we can arrange transport to Machu Picchu on the bus/train. We hope to meet Greg and Leslie at the citadel on the 3rd of April. For the 2nd of April we book the bus to Ollyantambo, the train to Aguas Caliente, bus to Machu Picchu on the 3rd.
Plan B in hand we meet up with Greg and Leslie again and head towards Qorikancha. This is a former Inca Temple which forms the base of a Spanish Colonial Catholic Church. It once was lined with gold sheets. One of the richest temples in the Incan Empire.
From a terrace on Qorikancha we see this large grassy area with people enjoying the sun. We aren’t sure how to get to this space. We see people coming out of a stairwell in the center of the area. We also see a woman pop out of a trap door and then close if after her. We are confused. 🙂
This is what the courtyard of the church looks like today. In behind these colonnades are Inca walls that were part of the original temple.
Back in Plaza de Armas Stu takes this photo that shows both of the large churches that line the plaza.
Another shot of the busy plaza in the evening.
The end of a disappointing day, but we will make the most of what we have 🙂