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Published: September 23rd 2016
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An early start to catch a short flight to Cuzco from Lima. This will be flight number 3 of 9 for this trip and I am pushing myself hard with my fear of flying by deciding to sit in a window seat for the first time ever. I am really glad I did as the views of the Andes are absolutely stunning!
Once we arrive at Cuzco airport we are greeted by our G Adventures guide who will be taking us all the way to see Machu Picchu. The tour group is large with 16 of us in total. Apart from myself there is only one other solo traveller and the rest are couples. It does feel slightly awkward there being so many couples in the group, but everyone seems friendly. The age group very mixed, which I like.
We are reminded that we've literally gone from being on relatively flat land to almost 12,000 feet above sea level and told to take it easy whilst our bodies adjust to breathing in less oxygen. I even try chewing some coca leaves to help with the altitude, but it's not a nice taste. To be honest, I don't feel any
different...
Our guide, his name is Rive, gets us trying coca tea for the altitude sickness (much better than chewing leaves) before he gives us an orientation walk of Cusco. We learn that Cusco was the capital city of the Inca Empire and the gateway to the Andes. It was conquered by the Spanish around the 16th century. This attractive city has two plazas, the main one is called Plaza de Armas and the other is Plaza de Francisco and both are surrounded by Spanish-colonial buildings. We even see one very old building that was from the Inca period. We see lots of rainbow flags, literally everywhere. Our guide tells us it's not for the gay community, but it's the Inca flag and that the Inca's regarded the rainbow as a gift from the sun god.
We decide to get lunch and visit a popular Peruvian restaurant called Cicciolina. This restaurant is not far from the Plaza de Armas, but is tucked away from the main view and is amongst some small stores. I decide to be adventurous and go for Alpaca. The Alpaca comes out like small pieces of steak and tastes a bit between beef and
lamb. At the restaurant, I start to get a slight headache. It seems a few people in the group are becoming slightly ill, must be the altitude sickness kicking in.
Afterwards we have time to explore. I find myself walking relatively slowly and have to stop a few times to catch my breath when going up a hill. Need to stay hydrated, must keep drinking water...
I find myself sitting right in the middle of the plaza de Armas, sun beaming down on me, I can feel my skin burning slightly, so apply sunscreen since the sun's rays are more dangerous higher up. I always enjoy soaking up the atmosphere of a new place I visit. I get hassled to buy things from locals trying to make a trade, but a firm "no, gracias" does the trick. I visit the Church of the society of Jesus that was built in the 16th century when the Spanish conquest took place removing the Inca religion and replacing it with Christianity. The top of the church offers really nice views of the Plaza.
In the evening I find myself feeling better after taking paracetamol and drinking plenty of water. I
venture out for an evening walk with the other solo traveller in the group, her name is Lizzy and she's from the US. We stop off at a nice restaurant, but It seems I have lost my appetite from the altitude since pumpkin soup is quite substancial for dinner.
Next stop; Ollantaytambo
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Dancing Dave
David Hooper
Cusco
What a crazy but interesting place Cusco is Alan. Get that coca tea into you and embrace the altitude. Time to express your joy of being there I reckon!