Cusco, Peru (More than the gateway to Machu Picchu)

Overlooking Plaza de Armas, the main square in Cusco

Some of you may know that we considered beginning our trip in Cusco, Peru. We found a bunch of Spanish schools in Cusco and although most people come to Cusco to visit Machu Picchu (us included), there are also numerous other ruins, hikes, and activities in the region. Alas, it was not meant to be.

Cusco is an incredible city in the Andes and over our 10 days in and around the city we got a good sense of why the Inca Empire set up their capital there. We gave ourselves a few days to acclimate to the altitude before our 4-day trek to Machu Picchu (we hiked the Lares Trek), which allowed us time to really explore the City, eat some delicious vegan food, and pet/feed alpacas. One of our first stops was the Museo Maximo Laura to see stunning contemporary Peruvian textile art.

Tapestry detail - photo credit: Rachel Samuels

After some tapestry viewing and breakfast we found a free walking tour (in Spanish!), we understood about 70-75% of everything. The Spanish destroyed most, if not all, the Inca buildings within Cusco so it was very helpful to have someone point out and explain the remnants.

By the San Cristobal Church looking down on Cusco. WE HAVE OUR FIRST VISITOR!

Iglesia De La Compañia De Jesús in the main square

Fountain at Plaza San Blas

Typical street in the historic center of Cusco

The next we took a day trip out to the Awana Kancha Alpaca/Llama Farm and the Pisac Market. Although Cusco has many women wandering the City wearing traditional dress and toting alpacas for photo opportunities, we held out for the farm. Awana Kancha allows you to feed and pet multiple varieties of alpacas and llamas and we were not disappointed! A could barely contain herself!