Cusco

Buenos Dias from Cusco. We arrived yesterday morning via a one hour flight from Lima. While we saw very few tourists on our wanderings in Lima, this place is teeming with tourists. This is the major destination spot in Peru as it is the gateway to Machu Picchu.  That being said, most of the tourists do not appear to be English speaking. 

Cusco is nestled in the mountains at an elevation of around 11,000 feet, and the elevation is a factor to consider. One becomes more winded and headaches are a reality. Oxygen is readily available in hotels and in public areas. When we returned to our room last night there was a young woman in the lobby getting oxygen. For me, some Advil and being aware to walk slowly and take frequent breaks seems to be effective.  Within 24 hours I felt better. 

Cusco has many narrow cobblestone streets, some very steep. Our accommodation is up one of these streets and one has to almost plaster oneself against the buildings to avoid traffic. 

Tourists are accosted on all sides by people selling their wares. They don't take no for an answer easily.

There are people in traditional dress who let you take a photo with them and/or their llama for a fee.   I think it is well worth it to pay the fee as you get to cuddle the little lambs. I paid these women well and was able to get a few photos of and with them. 

We did manage to take a couple of photos of people without their knowledge. This man was sleeping on the church steps. 

We walked into many churches and through many plazas, but the highlight was the large market

that we went to twice. This market had all the usual items but it was unique in having more meat than others. Grotesque in one way but this is life in Peru. 

 

We were forced indoors this afternoon due to a downpour of rain. I think it has stopped so we shall venture out again. Tomorrow we are leaving Cusco for a couple of days, during which time we shall be going to Machu Picchu.  Probably no blogging until our return. 

There are many dogs roaming the streets and the markets. This one caught my attention. 

Adios