We arrived in Cusco after three weeks in Urubamba. The boys said goodbye to their friends at Sol y Luna school, and we got ready for more adventure.
We got an Airbnb in Cusco for a week before my family arrived. It is a great two bedroom convenient to the historic city center and San Blas Mercado.
On our first day in Cusco, we checked in to our place and then ate lunch at a great Italian restaurant called Bodega 138. Henry got a pepperoni pizza and it was the best pepperoni he had since we got to this area.
We also booked a couple of tours with Machu Picchu Reservations, a tour company Michael heard about online. Then we looked in some souvenir shops and got Henry an alpaca sweater (which he subsequently lost–but he bought himself a replacement).
Our first excursion was a hike to Humantay Lagoon. We were picked up at 4:30 am. We drove two hours and then stopped for breakfast. After breakfast, it was another hour on bumpy, windy roads up to the hike. Humantay Lagoon hike is a difficult 8 km hike up a fairly steep mountain at 14,000 ft. We all made it to the top and the views are stunning.
We ate a late lunch on the way home, arriving in Cusco around 6:30 pm. We were all tired. We recommend taking at least a day between day tours if you come to Cusco.
Our second excursion was to Palccoyo to see rainbow mountains. The more famous Rainbow mountain was closed when we were in Peru due to fighting amongst the local communities in the area.
It was another full day with a 4:30 am pick-up. The three-hour drive was smoother than the drive to Humantay Lagoon, but the last 2 hours were windy and bumpy. The elevation is 2,000 feet higher than Humantay Lagoon sitting at 16,000 feet. The hike is not as long or steep, but the elevation makes it challenging. The views do not disappoint.
We did some hiking from Cusco city center to Cristo Blanco. It is about 45 minutes from the city center up to the statue. It is a beautiful view of the city from the top.
We also got our teeth cleaned while in a Cusco for $40 per person for a dental cleaning. Henry also had a tooth pulled that needed to come out. That cost $20.
We did a lot of good eating while in Cusco. We got smoothies and sandwiches at the San Blas Mercado several times. Fresh juice and food at low prices ($2 am item). We love local markets. We also ate wonderful Italian, Indian, and Mexican food, and Sushi.
We also got to see our friends the Flemings! We love running into our worldschooling friends around the world!
We moved from our Airbnb in Cusco to the Palacio del Inka Hotel in anticipation of our family’s arrival. It was a treat for us to stay in a luxury hotel. They had a nightly cultural show. Michael found the bathrobe and we still use the hotel slippers.
Cusco is a vibrant city. It is a great place to be based because there are several worthwhile places to see in the surrounding area.
