Cusco

January 31, 2016 MovinnGrovin 11 comments

Cusco  &   Machu Picchu

 

After a quick flight from Lima we arrive in Cusco, Peru (altitude 11,000 feet... or 3,000 feet higher elevation than Machu Picchu).  We took our time over the next few hours getting acclimated to the elevation while exploring this beautiful city settled amongst the mountains...

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We grabbed a bite to eat at an awesome local recommendation (thanks Zoe!)...

Alpaca Steak - grilled tenderloin with a quinoa and vegetable andean style tart.

Humita - maiz meal, yellow chili and cheese wrapped in a corn husk steamed and served with a creole salad. 

Andean Causita  - mashed potatoes layered with smoked andean trout and avocado.

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and settled into our new home, located in the artsy neighborhood of San Blas...

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We spent the next few days roaming Cusco...

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a ceviche cooking class... mmm mmm!
a ceviche cooking class... mmm mmm!
a visit to Cusco's coffee museum (Peru is the worlds 9th largest exporter of coffee)
a visit to Cusco's coffee museum (Peru is the worlds 9th largest exporter of coffee)
Laura made some new friends!
Laura made some new friends!
and Sean did too...
and Sean did too...
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Speaking of friends, Sean has a few in Cusco.  Zoe and the kids were spending Peru's summer break in Tower Lakes, but we were super lucky to connect with her husband Rene who returned to Cusco early!

 

When Rene is not busting a move on the dance floor in TL at a Gillette Christmas party he is planning on where he can bust a move on a dance floor in Cusco!  "Mr. Fun", as Zoe calls him, was about to show us the town...

 

First stop was La Cusqueñita, the restaurant represents and displays Cuzco’s culture in dance, style, and food. The portions were huge, food was amazing, and so were the drinks... enormous glasses of chicha - a fermented or non-fermented beverage usually derived from maize or fruit...

lunch with Rene!
lunch with Rene!
stuffed chili peppers
stuffed chili peppers
 Lechón al horno - traditional pork dish.
Lechón al horno - traditional pork dish.
lunch with a side of traditional Peruvian entertainment
lunch with a side of traditional Peruvian entertainment

Round 2 with Rene... happy hour, jenga, and a classic rock band!

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Oh... and a little late night dance session at Ukukus, one of Rene's faves!  We think we found our wedding band...

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After an amazing and rowdy few days in Cusco we packed our bags and continued on to our next adventure, Machu Picchu!

Took an hour and a half ride to Ollantaytambo, then hopped on the PeruRail train to the town of Aguas Calientes, our home base for Machu Picchu...

 

PeruRail to Aguas Calientes
Peru Rail
Aguas Calientes, Peru
Aguas Calientes

5am wake up call to catch the first bus up the mountain to Machu Picchu. The view at the top was incredible, wahoo!!!

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After soaking in the sights of Machu Picchu we were ready to tackle the steep hike up to Wayna Picchu, which towers close to 1,200ft above Machu!

the steep climb to the top
the steep climb to the top
success!!!
success!!!
the view of Machu Picchu from above!
the view of Machu Picchu from above!
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Some of our favorite shots from this surreal day exploring Machu Picchu, Wayna Picchuand the Inca ruins...

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Prepping for our next adventure... Chile and our 4 day hike through Patagonia!!!

11 Comments on “Cusco

  1. Sean, you can now pull off a headband! Love it! And Laura, your back muscles are killer. Oh, and Machu Picchu doesn’t look bad either. xoxo, seester

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