Cusco, Peru

The ancient city of Cusco is one of the most amazing places i've visited while traveling. The city is a step back in time. Yes there is the addition of new roads but most of the city looks intact from a time of the past. I flew from the United States and transfered in Lima before coming directly to Cusco. Due to the difference in altitude, I will always advise against this.

I landed in Cusco and took an uber to the center of the city. I had some time before my bus to Machu Picchu Pueblo and I was hungry. I went to have lunch at Morena Peruvian Kitchen and had my tase buds dazzled with some incredible dishes.

Bread with Honey corn Butter

Ceviche

Cut with Corn and Potatoes

Then caught the bus to Machu Picchu. We stopped at Mirador Rachhi on the way before ultimately stopping in Ollantaytambo. We did the same journey in reverse back to Cusco. I stayed at the hotel on the Central square where I'd be close to the action and used it as my launching point for the next few days. Energized with Cocoa tea, I was determined to roam the city.

Art in San Blas

The next day, I did a walking tour of the city that took me to great neighborhoods, allowed me to try impressive food and communicate with vendors I might not have met on my own. I also saw how intuitive the buildings were in the day to day life of the people of the city.

Dinner for the night was at Mr Cuy, a great option for local food in the city. I then went back to my hotel to overlook the city center from the hotel bar.

Rainbow Mountain

Day three would have us driving out to Casa Ausangate before heading to Rainbow Mountain. This is an all day trip with food included and an excellent thing to do nearby. Take it from me, pay for the horses to take you up, the climb is the worst.

The Final day would be spent in the San Pedro section of the city which is home to the Mercado Central San Pedro. Here you get a glimpse of local life and cuisine outside of the central zone.

Mercado Central San Pedro

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