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Published: February 11th 2009
Day 12 - Cusco
After a 14 hour sleep recovering from the last week on the road we opt out of the usual free bread and jam breakfast. I had a bacon sandwich and Laura had a massive pancake with fruit, which was nice for a change. Whilst in the breakfast room we spent the rest of the morning updating the blogs and booking the next part of our trip.
Our only other plan for the day was to visit an Inca ruin Saqsaywaman. This was a fort located 2km above Cusco. After purchasing a large hat to stop me getting sunstroke again and stocking up on water we set off on this forty minute walk. After about an hour and a half I finally dragged Laura to the top.
On reaching the entrance we are told the entry cost is about £20 each, or you can walk up a hill overlooking Saqsaywaman for free. So we decide the latter hoping we will get our fill of Inca ruins at Machu Picchu. At the summit there is a massive statue of Christ overlooking the city just like in Rio. From here we could see most of
Saqsaywaman anyway. The walk back down was quick and easy although you get tired saying no thanks to the infinite number of tour guides, taxi drivers and restaurant owners trying to grab your attention as you make your way back through town.
The only other event to write home about today was our trip to the bus station! Up until now we have used a reliable bus service to travel throughout Peru and have even managed to buy our tickets on the internet. However our next bus that needed booking wasn't going to be as easy. After asking at our reception and the tourist information we find out it is best to go to the bus terminal to get a ticket rather than getting ripped off by the many travel agencies in town (there are literally hundreds).
The bus terminal was a couple miles walk for us, luckily the weather was cloudy so it was a pleasant stroll. Upon arrival at the bus terminal we seem to be the only westerners among a mass of local Peruvians. The bus terminal is full of about 50 different bus companies all offering similar destinations and touting for your business while
dragging you to their desk. It all seemed a bit shady and overwhelming as none of the bus company staff worn uniforms or printed out tickets, they were all hand written.
Eventually we decided to book with the company recommended to us, although still unsure of the hand written ticket. You certainly wouldn't trust this sort of thing in England but guess we will have to get used to it.
Oli
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Auntie Phyl
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Love your blog
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