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Published: February 14th 2009
We left Pisco after several days of fun filled relaxation and sightseeing and made our way to Cusco. We had to take several buses for this journey as there was no direct service from Pisco. Travelled to Ica then onto a transit town called Nazca where we waited for several hours to board an overnight bus to Cusco. It really wasn´t that bad and for 90 sol each, which translates into about 20 quid each, we were happy to pay. The bus was laid out more like an aeroplane with very comfy leather seats that reclined all the way back and food which was served by a girl who had excellent balance. She needed it in order to serve coffee whilst the bus hurtled round corners and across dirt tracks. The food was average and the jelly was delicious. See photo of Tony with his jelly tongue.
Arrived in Cusco after 15 hours on the bus. Having had broken sleep throughout the journey we were extremely tired but excited to be in the hub so we found a hostel, took a shower and went off exploring. The city is beautiful and there are several plazas where you can chill with
Typical Cusco street
Rainy street off of the Plaza de Armasyour loved ones. It is extremely touristy though and the prices are reflected. We have realised that if you start in the centre of a city and walk ten minutes in any direction you will find cheaper places to eat and drink. A bottle of beer here is double that of what we were paying in Pisco so we have had to cut back on that little luxury.
Most places in South America offer a cheap set menu for around 10-20 sol and usually throw in a freebie. We indulged in a beautiful drink called Pisco Sour which is a combination of Pisco, a grape skin brandy, lemon juice, bitters and egg white. I know it sounds revolting but trust us when we tell you that it definately hits the spot and when it´s a freebie how can you pass that up?
The city has a real tranquil quality about it even though it is busy. We have taken full advantage of this quality and have tried to really soak up the culture available in this tourist hot spot. Stumbled across this quant little cafe which sold coca leaf tea. For anyone who doesn´t know what this is
Coca Tea
Amy feeling sleepy after a 15 hour bus journey decided the best thing to cure this would be coca tea. it is the leaf which most people commonly associate with cocaine but the leaf is its puriest form and has no chemicals or crappy stuff added to it. When infused in hot water is tastes like a green tea and helps with altitude sickness and sleeplessness but is also a great way to help unwind and relax. Many of the locals carry large plastic bags filed with this leaf and chew it to release its qualities.
In Cusco until this evening when we will be boarding yet another overnight bus to Copacabana which is in Bolivia where we will shortly be picking up our group which will take us through the rest of Bolivia and into Chile.
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