The day after Machu Picchu was set out to be a more relaxing one. The day started with an optional walking tour of the town Aguas Calientes. As we started walking, it was raining – eventually coming to a stop entirely.

Aguas Calientes was a small town, but with the tourism industry picking up – it has grown into a more touristy town. (But still fun!) Our tour manager gave us an overview of what it’s like living in Peru and more history about the country itself.

Once the walking tour wrapped up, we went to a nearby restaurant for a Pisco Sour demonstration. The Pisco Sour is the national drink in Peru – you see these everywhere on the menu! A Pisco Sour is a refreshing cocktail that typically includes Pisco (a white grape brandy), fresh lime juice, simple syrup, ice, and egg white. It’s shaken to perfection, creating a frothy and zesty drink.

The bartender explained how to make the drink – and then asked for a few volunteers to bartend. Andy and I weren’t selected – but we were taking notes so we can make them at home!

Some people stayed at that restaurant for lunch, but I was really craving an empanada – so we started looking for another restaurant. Once we found one – we had a great view of the Main Street, which was fun to watch all the different people walk by.

When I had ordered my empanadas – I had asked how many came with the order. He said two – which was about what I was looking for. They are usually pretty small. Once he brought them out – we realized the mistake. They were huge!

I couldn’t finish – and Andy wasn’t much help. Another group from Gate 1 was in the restaurant so they took the second one off of our hands. But I couldn’t even finish the first one that I had started. I was just explaining that I hadn’t seen any homeless people that I could share the leftovers with, when this small (probably 5 or 6 years old?) boy came up and asked if he could have it.

No, he wasn’t homeless. But he was not throwing away his shot! We said yes, and he scooped that up and walked away ecstatic with his prize. Then the restaurant’s cat jumped up into my lap for some love.

We took the train back to the original train station – it was less lively this way. But we had a better view of the river. It was relaxing after the previous day’s activities. After we made it back – we still had a two hour bus ride to Cusco.

Our tour manager had organized a stop at a pottery shop – everything was super reasonable there. It was a cool experience – and we learned more about the style of pottery there. We all purchased a couple of authentic souvenirs, and we were on our way again.

We made it back to Cusco and just had a late dinner at the hotel and much needed rest.

Accommodations: Xima – Cusco Hotel

Up Next:

• Highlights of Cusco Tour