Cusco lies at about 3400m altitude. So, as we climbed the steep alleyways of the Andean capital the first day, we could feel the lack of oxygen with every step. Luckily there were plenty of fresh coca leafs available at our Rumi Punku hotel – chewing coca really works miracles against altitude sickness! But yeah, with all the drug trafficing stories in mind, it is easy to misjudge this highly healthy and useful jungle plant. Cusco’s new coca museum characterises the dilemma very much to the point, I think.
One of the "highlights" in Cusco is the famous 12-edged stone. It is considered a symbol for the genuine craftsmanship of the Incas, because the stone is huge, but still it had been fitted perfectly into the wall construction. By the way, Inca buildings are earthquake-proof in comparison to many of the (much younger) colonial churches, that were destroyed during the frequent tremours in the region. However, the city center had always been rebuilt the traditional style, that is to say only low brick buildings and no skyscrapers. One reason why we loved that place. The siesta seems to last all day sometimes, but after sunset the city comes to life! Every night we watched another beautiful festivity on the main square and enjoyed a Cusqueña, our favourite Peruvian beer. We stayed in Cusco for 6 days, but we could have extended it to 100 days easily! There is just too much to do and see.
One of the "highlights" in Cusco is the famous 12-edged stone. It is considered a symbol for the genuine craftsmanship of the Incas, because the stone is huge, but still it had been fitted perfectly into the wall construction. By the way, Inca buildings are earthquake-proof in comparison to many of the (much younger) colonial churches, that were destroyed during the frequent tremours in the region. However, the city center had always been rebuilt the traditional style, that is to say only low brick buildings and no skyscrapers. One reason why we loved that place. The siesta seems to last all day sometimes, but after sunset the city comes to life! Every night we watched another beautiful festivity on the main square and enjoyed a Cusqueña, our favourite Peruvian beer. We stayed in Cusco for 6 days, but we could have extended it to 100 days easily! There is just too much to do and see.
Horseriding and rafting rank among the many activities you can do around Cusco. Just outside the city lies the arqueological site of Sacsayhuaman (to tourists better known as "sexy woman"). There we rented horses to explore the more distant Inca sanctuaries. The animals knew the way by heart, especially the fastest way back :-) A day later we joined a rafting trip on the Urubamba river. Water levels are quite low in September, but we still had to master tricky parts. And we did! However, during one of those maneuvers Florian gulped some water. The Urubamba river looks clean at first glance, but now we know that one sip is enough to make you feel queasy.
