South Of The Border : Cusco

Here is a link to more photos of Cusco

Here is the ancient Inca capitol that the Spanish conquered and dominated in the 16^th century. It is the geographic and social center of pre-Columbian South America. The ruins and trails emanate outward from the city and one marvels at the extent of this old civilization. We have nothing to compare to it in North America.

Let's face it: Cusco has large swaths of poverty. The drive through some sections of town is fairly difficult as housing is inadequate and packs of dogs roam everywhere. City center is much nicer, of course, with great restaurants, clothing stores, and art galleries everywhere. Tourists are comfortable there, but much of the city suffers.

We stumbled upon this rally in the Plaza de Armas

The Plaza de Armas marks the center of activities and the magnificent cathedral is found there. It's a remarkable structure, built on the site of Inca power by the conquering Spanish as they established their control in the New World. It rivals any of the European cathedrals for opulence and splendor and it is a wonder to behold.

Alas, Cusco reaches 12,000 ft in altitude, so by day 2 altitude sickness tightened its grip. I was prescribed medication to counter the effects, but even though I took as prescribed, it didn't seem to help.


We were the only guests in this beautiful hotel!

Streets could be steep....

...and narrow!

That, and the delicious, but, perhaps ill advised alpaca burger, put me down for a day. The situation was remedied by boarding our plane for the trip to Santiago. Just entering the pressurized cabin seemed to wash oxygen over and around me. Ahhh... sea level.

Diane was right to plan Machu Picchu first, the Cusco. Most people think they'll adjust to altitude at Cusco, then visit the lower elevation Machu Picchu, but one doesn't adjust so the MP visit feels miserable. Recommendation: visit Machu Picchu then hope for the best in Cusco.