Cusco – gateway to Machu Picchu.

“The high-flying city of Cuzco sits at a 3300m crossroads of centuries-old Andean tradition and of course modern Peruvian life. Claimed to be the continent’s oldest continuously inhabited city, it was once the Inca empire’s foremost stronghold. It is now both the undisputed archaeological capital of the Americas as well as one of the continent’s most staunchly preserved colonial living museums.” Lonely Planet – South America.

Turismomer proved to a great choice to whisk me, overnight, from Puno to Cuzco in absolute luxury; it was a 7-hour bus journey and I slept the whole way.

Hostel Wara Wara is a tough 15-minute walk (uphill) from Plaza Armas, however, the views across the city from their balcony are stupendous. Miguel and his wife run a wonderful hostel with a real ‘home from home’ feel.

Sure Cusco is a big city but the touristy bits are mainly located in and around the centre, so it can easily be explored on-foot. First activity: orientation exercise with a free city walking tour.

As well as the city to explore there are four extremely impressive Inca ruins only a short ‘colectivo’ journey away. All can be visited in a long day: Tambo Machay, Puca Pucara, Qenko, and Sacsayhuamán (easily remembered by travellers as ‘sexy woman’).

Black Tuesday – camera stolen somewhere in Cusco!

Next stage: Machu Picchu.

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About Richard Griffith

My first independent travel experience was a trip to Israel, in 1997, it was here that I caught the 'travel' bug! In 2001 I took an 8-month sabbatical and traveled around South East Asia. Since then I have managed to visit most of Eastern Europe along with India, Bangladesh, and a few other destinations in between. I love travel and I love meeting new people.
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2 Responses to Cusco – gateway to Machu Picchu.

  1. Kath ford says:

    Hi Richard, Iam back from my travels very tame compared to yours.Enjoying your blog g.Where are you now? Kath

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