Mysterious cities of gold - Cusco

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Ok, so Cusco isn't mysterious or gold but we were very impressed when we rocked up after our night bus from Arequipa. The main cultural city centre was full of impressive stone architecture and cathedrals, plazas, fountains and Inca stone walls and we liked it immediately. Checked into brand new Ecopackers hostel (the cleanest and shiniest hostel we've ever seen) and began our ''acclimatisation'' by relaxing in cafes and window shopping!

Our good friend Jo arrived on a bus from Puno and we were very excited to see a friendly face and catch up on the news from back home over a Pisco Sour! Jo also bought us a South America guide book to replace the one we'd had stolen, thanks mate!!

Next day was Dee's 34th birthday and after opening cards and reading messages from home, the 3 of us celebrated with a walking tour around Cusco. The city is at 3300m above sea level and really felt the altitude and thin air after climbing a few steps. Stopped a lot to enjoy the views (read: catch our breath!). Had a yummy lunch at our favourite cafe called Jacks and shopped for trekking supplies. Decided to buy waterproof ponchos as the weather at this time of year is very unpredictable. This turned out to be the best purchase we've ever made (more on this in the next installment!). Our Inca trek started the following day so we met with our tour company and guide (Fredi) for a briefing then shined a night on the tiles for a nice meal and an early night as we were being picked up the next day at 4am.........

Machu Picchu here we come!

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Photos

Cusco (11)
Birthday carrot cake in Jacks, ummmmm!

Cusco (3)
Inka Kola, a once in a lifetime experience. Tastes like bad Iron Bru!

Cusco (7)
Ecopackers Hostel

Cusco (9)
The street dog that followed us for a whole afternoon

Cusco (18)
Main plaza

Cusco (21)
Cusco flag (not to be confused with Gay Pride flag!)

Cusco (4)
PISCO SOUR!