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First of all thanks to all for the information - especially outtadodge and lifelist for the packing list - it was perfect.

Our trip was short - we arrived in Lima on the night of the 26th and hung out in the airport until our 7 am flight to Cusco. We saw some people actually pull out sleeping bags and sleep in the airport- it seemed pretty safe - we however just sat around reading, looking around the stores which were open through the night. The airport is very nice- clean and well maintained -nicer than DFW :)

We spent the first day in Cusco, and initially felt mild effects of the altitude (mainly feeling a little out of breath) but within a couple of hours we started to feel better - and went to the Qoricancha, which was near the hotel. Left early next morning for the Inca trail. We went with Explorandes and were generally happy with the orgnization. The trek itself is an amazing experience - highly, highly recommend it if you are reasonably fit. There is something absolutely incredible about walking through the mountains on the same path that the ancient Incas used.

The first view of Machu Pichu from Inti Punku is unforgettable. We stayed at the Hotel Presidente in Aguas Caliente - nice hotel and after 3 nights in tents, the hotel seems like a piece of heaven. :) They had some scrumptious pancakes for breakfast the next day, which won big points with all of us weary hikers.

The next day we made the hike up Wayna Pichu - the hike is not too difficult but maybe a bit hard for people with a fear of heights. But the view from up there is spectacular.

After our return to Cusco, we got massages at the hotel. We stayed at the Libertador and were very impressed with the service. We went to MAP and wandered round Plaza Nazarenas and the nearby artist stores.

The next day we hired a taxi and went round the Sacred valley - had lunch at a wonderful place in Pisac. There is a sense of timelessness about the place - the women dressed in traditional garb weaving the gorgeous fabrics, the mountains - and as cheesy as it may sound it truly soothes the soul.

Food: In Cusco - we ate at Inti Raymi (it was okay), Inka grill (great food), Pacha mama(great Peruvian food - alpaca brochettes to die for) Had dinner at Keros on the last night. Highly recommend the local beer Cusquena. And of course the Pisco sours are deelish.

On the return, we had a long layover in Lima, and decided to go around the city and went to the Plaza Mayor, Plaza Martin and did a tour of the Catacombs. There are some really beautiful buildings in Lima. Later we had an early dinner at Rosa Nautica in Miraflores and back to the airport.

We were sad when it all ended - what we saw of Peru was absolutely lovely and Peruvians are wonderful people.