Land of the Incas
Trip Start
Dec 06, 2005
1
12
80
Trip End
Jun 17, 2006
Cusco,
Peru
Friday, January 6, 2006
There's a huge cultural difference between Peru and Chile, it was immediately obvious how less developed Peru is, how much poorer the people are, and how much cheaper everything is for travellers. Every time a local sees a tourist bus, their eyes light up with dollars and they try to sell anything and everything.
This city (Cusco) is the oldest one in all of south america that has been continuously inhabited (is that a word?). It's surrounded by some gorgeous scenery, when clouds aren't blocking the view, and even has Peru's coat of arms drawn into a nearby hill, XXL size! So Al and I met up with Charlie (Doube) who had just arrived from Canada, and we'll be spending the next 3 or so weeks together. Found a great hostel recommended by a mate, met some cool people but didn't really feel like nightlife so we just drank, chatted and played cards.
Next day we walked a few kms up to some Inca ruins at a place called Sacsayhuaman (aka Sexy Woman).
01 View of Cusco from our hostel
Moderately impressive ruins, some catholic christ statues, great views of Cusco from above, and bunches of locals in traditional clothing trying to get money for photos, finger puppets, ponchos, postcards, etc.etc.etc. And a few llamas to add to the mix. Saw a few museums which were really nothing special. Had a four course lunch for around A$1.50. Played poker with some NFL-loving americans (it was the Orange Bowl or something...), then around midnight Charlie and I hit the town with some new friends from the hostel. There are a few big bar-clubs right in the middle of Cusco. There is much confusion, two of the better ones are called Mama Africa and Mama America. They're always offering free drinks to make tourists go there. For the first time in my life, I danced on a podium - very unlikely to happen in Australia without being spectacularly drunk and/or celebrating big time. At Mama Africa there were a few guys playing conga drums along to the DJ's music, which was interesting. Overall great fun.
Woke up late the next day, decided to go to the 'Sacred Valley', about 15kms north of Cusco. Went to a place called Pisaq, where one of the two big Inca citadels in the valley was. This exceeded all expectations, there was no one there but us, the scenery was spectacular, and the overall environment was really special. There were even kids playing peruvian folk tunes on wind instruments to add to the ancient vibe. Totally breathtaking stuff, this is what I'm in Peru for!!
The day before we left for the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, we decided to wreck our bodies in advance by going whitewater rafting on the hardest rapids (over level 4) around Cusco, on the Urubamba river. This was awesome, unfortunately no photos because of the likelihood of water completely wrecking my camera. However, this allowed me and Charlie to jump out of our raft 10 minutes before the end and float down level 1-2 rapids on our backs - a highlight of the daya, we loved it. Too tired for partying after this, had an early night.
Comments
Yo Reverendo!!!
Glad to see you're representing ye ol' homestead with the VB t-shirt...ahh Melbourne pride, and damn, you reckon you could bring back some exotic men for me =) I'm assuming you're holiday festivities have been awesome, but I knew as soon as you went we'd be hit with the hot weather...damn you mother nature!!! Talk soon sweet,
randa xx