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Published: July 15th 2009
Not wanting to be stuck in the ongoing bus strike, we booked a flight from Arequipa to Cusco. One way was $160 US and roundtrip was $170 US so we decided to spend the extra 10$ and avoid the over-night bus back to Arequipa.
We arrived in Cusco, safely, sore from the canyon trek and hungry. We grabbed a taxi and headed for the Loki Hostel. They had made a mistake with our reservation so we ended up in a four bed dorm with a private bathroom as opposed to an 8-10 bed dorm with a shared bathroom. Not the worst thing to happen.
Since we arrived at 8am and could only get into our room after 1pm, we went to walk around. (even though we were really really sore from the hike).
The city is beautiful! It reminds me a bit of Eastern Europe because of the intricate gothic structures, somewhat like Romania, with a mix of Prague, and according to Gali clean like a Swiss town... really nice, but very ´gringoesque´ = tourist central!!!! Good luck taking 3 steps without someone offering you a massage, a souvenir or a free drink if you eat at their
restaurant.
That night with the soreness wearing off we decided to go for a nice dinner at a restaurant called Incantu. First off, the food was terrible, second the night was a disaster ending with intervention from the tourist police. Upon trying to pay the bill, the restaurant claimed our money was fake. We found this highly unlikely since we had just come from the bank, so we left the money and quickly made an exit. Two waiters chased us and eventually we ended up back at the restaurant with the tourist police. At that point we had two choices, go with the tourist police and make a report or pay with different money and the police would look away allowing us to keep the ¨fake¨ bill. We decided on the latter after hearing horror stories of corrupted police. We returned to the hostel, disappointed as our splurge was nothing but a headache.
On Tuesday we continued walking around. The market was a welcomed stop since I was able to get my jeans stitched before the hole in my crotch got any bigger. Passersby enjoyed the view of Seth in his boxers behind the sewing machine as my
pants were being stitched.
On Wednesday, Gali and I rented ATV´s (all terrain 4x4 vehicles) and went into the hills surrounding Cusco. We were joined by Guillaume, a fellow Montrealais. It was soooooooooooooo much fun!!! We got to go off small jumps, down hills and see beautiful scenery. We were adventurous but careful!
That night was the hostel's big 4 year anniversary party. It was ¨fancy dress¨, which in British means dress up. The theme was ¨Twisted Prom¨. I was able to create an entire outfit from the hostel's costume stash while the girls mixed and matched to create their outfits including buying some crazy earrings. The party was tons of fun and the apres snack of falafel hit the perfect spot.
Thursday was scheduled as our recovery day so we didn't do much besides eat, chill and prepare for our journey to Machu Pichu.
Tour Agencies in Cusco Activities Peru: (www.activitiesperu.com, www.raftingcusco.com, 948 796410)
While we never actually did a trip with this agency we got to know the owner, Lucho well. He is a great guy and if we had more time here then without a question we would have gone
with him. One of the nicest and most genuine Peruvians we've met.
Bikingperutrek: STAY AWAY!!! LIARS!! We chose this place because Loki uses them. It is $20 US more than the others but we thought for a once in life-time experience we should pay a little more to ensure a great experience. We were sadly mistaken. Gali and I had terrible dealings with the people who work in the office when we came back. As for the tour itself, the rafting that was supposed to take place, NEVER DID! To make it up to the participants, they offered zip-lining for an extra $30 US. As well, the food was so bad that on the last night, even the tour guide and owner joined the participants at a different restaurant!
Restaurant's in Cusco Jack's: (Corner of Choquechaka & Cuesta San Blas, Cusco, 254606)
We visited Jack's 4 times while we were in Cusco. This western style, comfort food restaurant was amazing!!! Our best food in Peru thus far. As a bonus, they even use mineral water to clean the veggies so you can eat the salad. My favorite dishes were the Tuscan soup, pumpkin soup,
steak sandwich and hamburgesea.
Incantu Never eat here!
Sonesta Posadas del Inca: (Portal Espinar 108, Cusco, 51-84-22-7061)
Delicious! The trout with nut sauce was really tasty!!
Panam Panderia-Pasteleria: (Portal Nuevo 232, Cusco, 263932)
This is a great lunch spot right next to the main square. There chicken empanada is the best I've had since Argentina.
Loki Restaurant Our hostel had great food at great prices! The French toast and tostada sandwiches are superb!
El Sabor Del Inka: (Calle Meloc 498, Cusco)
This is a really small pizza joint located just down the street from Loki. If you want inexpensive, delicious pizza and you staying at or near Loki, this restaurant is a great option.
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Tracey Abbey Taylor
non-member comment
boxers
I checked all the photos and I can't seem to find one of your boxers. How come the people of Cusco were lucky enough to see them but not the rest of us?!?