We arrived in Cusco early yesterday morning, which is the “undisputed archeological capital of the Americas” (according to the Lonely Planet). Cuzco is at 3326m, which is high enough to: give you headaches, make you short of breath, and make your heart beat rapidly, because of the thin air. We spent most of yesterday sleeping and eating to recover from the flights and to adjust to the altitude.
Today we have done quite a bit of shopping in the market in the Plaza de Armas, at the heart of the city. Cuzco is the continent’s longest inhabited city, made up of winding cobble streets and colonial buildings, and every once in awhile when you walk down the street, you find yourself standing next to a wall that was built by the Incas in their traditional polygon fashion.
Since tomorrow is Christmas, and we begin our trek on the 26th, today we are taking care of most of our preparations for the trek. We met with our tour company and have bought several last minute items (rain ponchos, dorky sun hats, etc.) Though we are physically fit, we are curious how the altitude will affect us (the highest point is 4200m).
For the rest of the day, we will visit La Cathedral (built in 1559) and walk around a little more. Tomorrow for Christmas, we will keep it quiet, as most of the shops will probably be closed. I probably will not post again until after we return from the trek (December 29th, if I remember right).
Thank you for all the kind e-mails, and let me wish you Feliz Navidad!
More about our adventures in Peru: