Cusco

Cusco sits in an Andean valley at about 11,000’ so it’sa great place to acclimate before a trek into the mountains. Very hilly, lotsa steps and stairs, and not much air, so hydration and regulated breathing are necessary. All part of the training!

The city has definitely maintained its historic architecture and feel, but there’s also all of the vendors, stores, restaurants, and hustle-bustle of a large tourist destination. Actually, the noise level just outside the windows of the cute boutique hotel Daphne found rivals London or NYC! It’s readily apparent that every vehicle has a horn…even when the police are directing traffic at intersections!

Many of the hotels we’ve seen are incorporated into old buildings, with courtyards off the street and restaurants attrached along a balcony or through an arched doorway. 

A mini version of the Brazilian Jesus viewed from out balcony

We’re always about the local food and beverage, so first meal was a traditional as we could find…

Pisco Sour (basically a brandy sour)

Then there’s the guinea pig…actually raised like livestock around here (don’t tell PETA). Similar to soft shell turtle in that each piece has a slightly different flavor, somewhere between pork and venison…

Not sure why they feel obligated to put the little Peruvian knitted cap on them… they let you do the photos, then take it back to the kitchen and quarter it up. Although since the head returns as well guess they fifth it up?

Frankly, the alpaca was better!

Doing a food tour this afternoon, so looking forward to trying more interesting dishes…

Everyone drinks and recommends the coca leaf tea to aid with digestion and oxygenation…what the heck, suppose it can’t hurt…