Cusco

Cusco - little city, unbelievable history... Flying there was awesome as we could see the Andes for quite a while before landing. At the airport we were welcomed by the host from our hostel . ¨Mr. and Mrs. Ewa Sidwa¨the nice sign said. We were then escorted in a group van to our place. Since it was about 8AM or so, and our room was not ready yet, the senorita has sitted us on a nice balcony overlooking the city of Cuzco and treated us to a large, hot pot of coco tea. ¨For altitude sickness¨we were instructed. While altitude sickness was definitely a good reason, the hot drink this early in the morning (6AM flight) in a snippy refreshing mountain air, felt like a utmost luxury. After taking in the scenery, sipping on the tea, we were situated in a nice ¨matrimonial¨room with a very nice wooden sculpted trim on all. cannot complain :) The town was very cool to explore (both figuratively and literally). After catching a few breaths (not so easy at over 3000m elevation) and walking a bit around town we signed up with a local travel agency for a half-day city tour. We certainly got our moneys worth... The very knowledgeable tour guide took our group to all interesting town sites - especially focusing on Inca´s culture - different styles of building, different purposes and how the empire has ended. Later she also taught us about the local alpaca economy and how to distinguish the different fibers... We now know how to feel the ¨synthetic rip off¨ :) The following day we signed up with the same agency foir a day long Sacred Valley Tour. We visited most known Inca and pre-Inca sites in the area and learned a bit more of their fascinating history and culture. Cuzco has also been a great continuation in exploration of Peruvian cuisine. Although we still are not sure if it was the food, the water or the altitude that was filling our stomachs, like balloons... (later, at the Inca Trail Hike, we heard and smelled that most travellers had teh same issues :) Here are some Cusco area pictures:

(the last picture is us sharing the water from one of the few Inca´s eternal youth fountains, or so the Spaniards believed, - so far it works for us! )