Cusco - tourist mecca of Peru
Trip Start
Jun 01, 2008
1
13
22
Trip End
Jul 27, 2008
Cusco,
Peru
Saturday, June 28, 2008
After another night in Arequipa we've flown to Cusco - a 2 hour flight with a stop in Juliaco for 15 mins on the way. Great views of the Andes as we flew over the top of them.
We have one night in Cusco and then we hit the Lares track on the way to Machupicchu so basically we have half a day to prepare for the hike. Most important - chocolate! We picked up a 400gm block of cadbury's for 18 sole which is horrendously expensive for here but it's the first time we've seen it since we've been here. We have a load limit of 7kgs for our gear plus whatever we're happy to carry in our daypacks so we have to be a bit careful what we pack.
This evening we met our guide for the trek - Luis (Lucho) from Inca's Heartland trekking agency. He tells us that we are the only ones doing the trek tomorrow so it's us, him, a cook, a horseman and 3 horses! All the others from our group are doing the Inca Trek. Why did we opt for Lares? Well, basically we didn't want 498 other people joining us on our special walk. Also, the trek is possibly more challenging as we get to go over the Andes where as the Inca trek skirts the side of the mountains. Anyway, we'll soon find out if our decision is justified!
We've hired sleeping bags - hope they're warm enough at 4200m on the first night! If not, we'll just have to find a llama to cuddle up too!
Had lunch at a great restaurant - finally a place with more than potatoes, beans, rice, corn, meat. Sumac Miskey.
City is great but SO touristy. Gringo's everywhere and apparently a bit of crime around but haven't seen any of it so far (touch wood). A few hawkers and beggers too. Hotel is nice but lacks windows (seems to be a common theme over here along with the appalling plumbing and lack of hot water......no matter!).
Anyway, onward and upward. If we make it we'll blog on again soon!
nic and Pam
