Check out this video of our trip to Cusco, Peru!

Date of trip: December 2007

Cusco is one of the most frequently visited cities in Peru. Its location makes it an ideal base for exploring some of the most spectacular areas in the country. Its airport is the closest to Machu Picchu so most travelers headed there end up passing through.

Since Cusco is 11,500ft above sea level, altitude sickness is a danger. It’s important for visitors to take it easy while they acclimatize. The staff at the hotels in the city are very aware of this issue and will do all they can to help. Most will offer coca tea which is known for relieving some altitude symptoms and all have oxygen on hand in the event a guest gets very sick. Will and I decided to take the prescription drug Diamox (half a pill, twice a day beginning the day before we arrived) and overall we did pretty well. We also found the coca tea helpful and actually liked the taste of it. Whether or not you decide to take the pills, be aware of how you are feeling and let someone at your hotel know if you don’t feel well.

Highlights:

-The center of Cusco has a European flavor and is a safe and fun place to wander about. The main square is a bustling area full of restaurants and stores and home to their main Cathedral. It is full of native people wearing their customary bright clothing and selling handicrafts. Most people are happy to pose for pictures, but be aware that they expect a small tip…even the little children.

-Although Machu Picchu is without a doubt the most famous Inca ruin, there are many interesting ruin sites in Peru and several near Cusco. Sacsayhuamán and Pukapukara showcase the Incas’ mastery of building with stone and their unexplained ability to move giant boulders without modern construction equipment. Ollantaytambo is an impressive example of their stair-like architecture and is important because there are also pre-Inca structures on site.

-The Sacred Valley, just one hour from Cusco, was a key area for the Inca people because its climate presents optimal farming conditions. Its mountains offered protection from attacking tribes and it’s also a breathtakingly beautiful setting. Even today it remains a coveted living area for Peruvians. There are a variety of hikes that visitors can take to enjoy the valley and they vary in difficulty.

-Not far from the Sacred Valley is the village of Pisac, home to the most famous market in South America. Pisac Market, open on Sundays, is large and touristy but if you are looking for Peruvian clothing, crafts or souvenirs, you can find it all at a good price here. There is also a food area with everything from corn to pastries.

-Many people know that the llama is an important animal in Peru. Locals raise them for wool and meat and children seem to consider them pets. The alpaca, which is a smaller version of the llama is most often used for soft wool to create scarves and sweaters you can buy all over the country. There is another little animal, similar to the llama but even smaller than an alpaca, called the vicuna. The vicuna have big, curious black eyes and their wool is considered the absolute best. Products made with vicuna wool are somewhat rare and very expensive but so soft and luxurious. Usually vicuna goods are kept behind glass. If you see something cheap labelled vicuna, it’s probably fake. We actually saw a scarf being sold for $600 that came with its own little case!

Sometimes I have a hard time describing certain places I’ve visited because I feel the experience was very visual. With its bright colors, historical sites and sweeping natural landscapes, Cusco falls into that category. I hope my pictures will do justice where my words fail.

For more pictures, please visit my Photo Gallery or click on any of the photos posted above.

Cusco Links:
Peru Official Site
Ollantaytambo