StarwoodGuy: Southern South America With Starwood Hotels Day 2 and 3

Landing in Lima was simple and I headed right to the empty APEC business line which was shared with the crew/diplomats. After this it was a short walk to check in with Avianca for my next flight which was not until 5:20 in the morning. The line for Avianca was packed except for Business which was empty so I had my boarding pass in a minute and then wandered around the airport trying to kill some time and stay awake. Eventually I went through security and made my way to the Carval VIP Lounge accessed using my Priority Pass. It is a pretty basic lounge but amazingly open 24 hours. I was not in the mood for another drink so started in on coffee. The snacks were basic chips and crackers but there was a fully stocked bar. I tried the shower but again very basic so I skipped it.

I worked for a few hours and then at 4:30 am I made my way to my flight. Amazingly LAN and Avianca have flights basically every hour back and forth between Lima and Cusco. I boarded in the Business Class group and waited for someone else to sit down in Business. No one did. I had the entire cabin on the Avianca Airbus A319 to myself with my own flight attendant! I had used points so I think the actual cost was $20.00 for me, but apparently the tickets sell for $600.00 each way for Business so a little too pricey to actually pay for on an hour flight. A light breakfast was served and I was treated to an amazing view of the mountains and Cusco as we approached the city. The legroom was incredible even for first/biz, a very different experience then the more cramped and almost always full Business cabins in North America.

Upon landing, the Palacio Del Inka Luxury Collection car came and picked me up and drove me to the magnificent hotel located in the heart of the old city. The property is a mansion dating back 5 centuries and it exudes old world charm. I was given a cup of Coca Tea to help with the altitude sickness but I had opted on getting the medication for my trip as well. Cusco, at over 11,000 feet is one of the highest cities in the world. The tea packs a punch but the medication had some of the similar effects of altitude sickness on me with a slight headache and some dizziness but nothing too horrible. You instantly notice the beautiful artwork throughout the hotel, which itself is a piece of history with amazing pieces and furniture throughout the stunning building.

I was treated to an upgrade to a Senior Suite with a separate living room with large sleeper sofa and television, a closet, and a guest bathroom with tub, and in the main bedroom area there was a large King bed, another closet, the master bathroom and a small balcony with beautiful views out over the hillside and the ruins right outside.

After a 3 hour nap I showered and headed out to explore the cities. It was surprisingly sunny for February (the wet season) so I walked by the numerous churches, museums and squares, but skipped going inside saving that for the next day which was scheduled to be rainy. After, I did the hike up to the Saqsaywaman Incan Ruins. Most people bus up but it is a good walk, though with the altitude it felt more like walking with 100 lbs on my chest. I also took in the large Statue of Christ before making my way back down to the city center and stopping in at the market and picking up some snacks from the bakery. I made it back to the hotel just before a thunderstorm rolled in, so I had some food in my room before heading to bed early.

The next morning I woke up at 6:00 am and had a workout in the gym, with a few cardio machines, weights up to 45 lbs, but not much else. Then I showered and headed down to breakfast at the Inti Raymi restaurant. The buffet was amazing, typical American buffet but with some good extras such as the detox bar with freshly made juices and some gluten free options as well at a separate table for those who need that. The waiter insisted I try something made for me so I choose a smoked salmon omlette. It was delicious and the service was amazing as well.

After breakfast I did a little work before heading out for a long walk around town and up to the lookout via a different route. The rain finally arrived so I headed back to handle some work issues and waited until it was dusk to go out and see the main square and to pick up some bug spray before my trip to Machu Piccu the next day. The town is beautiful by night with lights dotting the hillsides and the monuments and churches magnificently illuminated in white. I grabbed a quick bite before heading back to the hotel for a drink in the beautiful bar before heading to bed.

Cusco is an amazing city with much to see and you could not pick a better location or hotel then the Palacio del Inka which itself is very much a part of the history of the area. The service was outstanding, the tour desk made planning very easy, and from the bar to the restaurant I had some of the best hotel dining experiences. The staff go out of their way to make sure you are cared for and are very attentive. The turn down service, with soft music playing, lights dimmed, a chocolate on the pillow and with tomorrow's weather on a beautiful card were all wonderful, but my favorite at any hotel is a filled bucket of ice at night which I happily found. Amazing hotel!