Blogs from Cusco, Cusco, Peru, South America - page 15

We spent couple days in a village of Paracas. There was a nice seafront full of sidewalk restaurants and vendors. Most of the days we were chilling on a beach... One day we made a trip to Reserva Nacional de Paracas. It's a desert-filled national reserve where you can visit some very nice beaches. The nicest was Playa de Roja - red sand on the beach was incredible and made cool impression next to blue water. Following day we visited Islas Balletas. We spent some time cruising around the island's arches watching noisy sea lions sprawl on the rocks. Smell was unbearable but still so worth to see it! There was a small beach where only baby sea lions were playing. So cute! We took hostels owner advice and before heading to Cuzco we went first ... read more

Dimanche, c’est journée « relajado » comme dit Carlos. On va manger du chicharron, un plat de porc typique de Cusco avec Yuri, qui a passé la soirée avec nous la veille. Je goûte aussi le snack d’ici, de la peau de porc frite qui se vend dans la rue (pas top). Ensuite on va se balader dans les villages près d’une lagune avec quelques ruines incas, puis boire un verre dans un bar qui donne sur la ville. Et lundi, plutôt relax aussi, je me balade dans Cusco, je fais les marchés, on va manger du ceviche, et j’assiste à la fête de la Virgen de la Natividad. Bref, plutôt sympa. Le lendemain, je vais visiter les villages de la vallée sacrée. Là aussi, je rencontre des gens sympas, et le soir, le minibus tombe ... read more

On day 11 we had a free day to explore Cusco. I'm currently writing this a few days later though so might forget a few things. From what I remember we got up moderately early and saw the main square, some more beautiful churches and we went to a few museums. One museum was about the history of the Incas with a few pieces of art, sculptures and pottery. But the second museum was my favourite: A chocolate museum!!! We learnt about the coco plants and how the chocolate was made. Then we got to try multiple types of chocolate and we had a make-it-yourself hot chocolate and chocolate bread thing. It was delicious!!! Then we went shopping and had dinner with everyone. The next day we had no idea what we were really doing as ... read more

They were waiting on the steps of the cathedral. All fifteen of them. Temporary wall-flowers, waiting for their turn to waltz. Adorned in fine fabrics, shot through with gold thread, capped with crowns and canopies, surrounded by fresh flowers, and outlined against a sky-blue heaven. Each surrounded by his own musicians, dancers, dignitaries and followers. Spectators milled about. Some rested on the cathedral steps, others lined the edge of the plaza, sitting on the kerb and makeshift stools. They shaded their eyes from the sun holding broad-rimmed hats at the side of their faces; delved into large plastic shopping bags for snacks and drinks, and chatted to friends and family. Vendors sold paper hats, plastic rosaries, 'spot the saint' booklets, cakes, bubble-kits, balloons, soft-drinks and plastic stools. Young girls in heavily embroidered skirts and fringed hats ... read more

Stones. That's what the kids have decided Peru is about. Much like last year they decided Asia was all about temples, Peru is all about stones, stones and more stones. Mostly big stones, stacked tightly together by the Incans to form walls, terraces, temples, houses and forts. Those Incans were very talented at stacking stones. So this morning we wanted to keep the theme alive and we jumped in a cab to drive out to the hills outside Cusco to see the Incan ruins at Sacsayhuaman. This fortress (known by tourists by its pronounciation, sexy woman) was the scene of a big old fight with the Spanish in 1536 which ended with many Incans throwing themselves out of the high tower rather than be taken alive. Things are a lot more peaceful up there now, but ... read more