Peru - Cusco

Cusco was once the capital city of the Inca empire, and is now the archaeological capital of South America. From here is the gateway to Machu Picchu so we stayed for 2days before our Inca Trail trek and 1 day afterwards. Massive Inca-built walls line steep, narrow cobblestone streets and form the foundations of modern buildings. The plazas are filled with Quechua-speaking descendants of the Incas, and ancient treasures are carefully guarded inside colonial mansions and churches. The city is at 3600m so we had to take it easy at first. We spent time walking along the cobbled streets and exploring the city on foot.




On Christmas Eve we went to the famous market held in the main square called ´Plaza de Armas,´ where hundreds of stalls were selling natural material to make nativity scenes. We went to bed to hundreds and hundreds of fireworks being let off at midnight, people were setting them off everywhere you looked. Our hostel room overlooked the city and the skyline was filled with fireworks wherever you looked, it was beautiful. On Christmas Day, we saw a couple of Christmas parades along the streets. People dressed up in traditonal costumes and masks and danced down the streets to music. We went to Tommy´s favourite Polleria for lunch - AGAIN! We had to go a total of 3 times during our time in Cusco because it was such a bargain! We paid less than $7 between us for a salad buffet, roasted chicken and chips!!! It is Tom´s favourite restaurant in the world apparently! We set off on the Inca trail on Boxing Day.




When we returned from the Inca Trail we freshened up - not having a shower for 4 nights and walking , we smelt lovely! On New Years Eve I drove Tommy mad by dragging him around the hundreds of markets. The traditional textiles are lovely, so I brought lots of presents and enjoyed browsing the stalls. We found a great local market where we ended up spending a few hours. I found some great bargains, and Tom was happy as we found some amazing juice bars. In preparation for New Year all of the market stalls were selling yellow underwear. It is hilarious as every stall down every street sells exactly the same thing! Stall after stall were selling yellow pants and bras. I asked one of the assistants why and she explained that the yellow is for good luck and prosperity, apparently if you wear yellow you will be rich in the new year!


The only thing I did not like about Cusco was the number of people begging, on every street corner is a poor person begging. I just felt really guilty when I didn´t give them any spare change.