Hostal San Isidro Labrador Cusco

Hello All, From Nazca I took a 15 our bus ride to Cusco, give or take a flat tire. Here is my impression of Cusco: To get to Machu Picchu, many tourists hike up the centuries-old Inca trail. But to get there, most stop in Cusco which is now home to a new trail, the Holy Gringo Trail. My first day there I took it easy because of the altitude and piercing sun. Slowly, I made my way through Plaza de Armas and in to the many cobble stone alleyways that make Cusco a charming place to visit. Immedi...

Sunday in Cusco city is full of life - markets, local children dancing in the Plaza de Armas, and lots of activity. I decided it would be a good day to check out the Cathedral - not only to be a good Catholic, but also to take advantage of not having to pay 25 soles to see it (wow, that makes me sound horrible!!) It was a beautiful mass and the inside of the Cathedral is like entering a colonial art museum. The works of art are massive in scale and gorgeous pieces from the Cusco School. The C...

Woke up Saturday morning still high from my day in Machu Picchu on Friday - and to the most amazing view of the Pakaritampu gardens from my bedroom window (see pictures from Cusco Day 1). It was raining, so at first I was concerned that I may not be able to enjoy some of the sights I had planned on visiting - but thankfully the rains died down after mid day. After another delicious breakfast at Pakaritampu, I sadly said my good-byes to the incredible staff and checked out. I then headed into ...

An early start to catch a plane to Cusco. It was only a short flight but the view was sensational. The volcanoes were right outside of the window and you could also see the Andes to the flat desert. Got a brief look at the top of Lake Titicaca. Cusco is a lot greener and I noticed that there are roof tiles so they must get a bit of rain, unlike some of the desert areas we have been to with the banana leaf weave mats for a roof. Went into the Cathedral. It was actually 3 different churches but...

Had a day trip through the Sacred Valley. The tourist ticket cost $130 sol but it gets you into a lot of places. We started at the Inca ruins of Saqsayhuaman. Then to Qenqo which is also known as the labyrinth. Overlooked Pukapukara, but didn't go inside. Stopped off at a market they had some llama and alpaca's so I'm now able to tell the difference between the two. Also a little old lady was weaving so I sat and watched her for a while.

Went to the ruins of Pisac, they were pretty ama...

Had a bit of a shopping day and visited a silver factory. Saw the workers, but the showroom had some really intricate silver statues, one especially took 6 months to make ad cost $6,000US.

Then onto an alpaca shop where we had a feel of what real alpaca is and what they try to sell you on the streets. I bought a couple of scarfs and a table runner which has all bright designs on it. Then onto the local markets, they had a mixture of food and drinks and touristy souvenirs. I bought a ve...

Cusco is the best place so far as a result of flying we got almost a whole extra day here on the 3rd enough to wander round and plan my white water rafting trip. To get some Dutch courage for the day ahead the highest Irish bar in the world had happy hour!

Mayuc were great the guides really experienced and funny, it was only at worst level 3 but great to do for the first time, can't wait to do bigger ones! It was awesome to even if my feet froze in the glacial water at least we could ...