Cusco Journals

Cool Cusco

A June 2005 trip to Cusco by akakd

Quote: Cusco, on one end of the Sacred Valley, is a destination not to be missed, but the Sacred Valley cannot be overlooked. Included in this journal are Pisaq, Yucay, Ollantaytambo, Sacsayhuaman, and Cuzco proper.

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Cool Cusco

Overview

Quote:

One of the best things we did in Cusco was to not have a planned itinerary. Just wandering the narrow streets and interacting with the women and children was quite an experience.

Quick Tips:

Since Cusco sits at the highest altitude in the Sacred Valley region (11,000 feet), we flew from Lima into Cusco, then went immediately down into the Sacred Valley. We stayed in Yucay first, then went to Machu Picchu, then returned to Cusco. This way, we acclimated gradually to the altitude.

Best Way To Get Around:

You'll need a ride out to Saqsaywaman and other parts of the Sacred Valley. Taxis are fine for outlying areas, but walking is the best way to see Cusco.

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Hotel Monasterio Del Cuzco

Hotel | "Monasterio Hotel"

Quote:

Built on the site of the Inca Amaru Qhala Palace, the legendary Monasterio Hotel is a restored 16th-century monastery with pretty rooms that include private patios, several courtyards, cloisters, and a chapel. One unique feature of the Monasterio is that it is the only known hotel in the world to have 24-hour oxygenated rooms, which is precisely why we chose to stay here. The Flemish-style artwork in our room alone was museum quality. Little touches made the stay even more pleasant, from men in top hats greeting us at the door of our vehicle each time we came and went, to robes and slippers at our disposal, to complimentary bottles of water, to mints on our pillow, to a bathmat wrapped in ribbon.

Member Rating 5 out of 5 on July 12, 2005

Hotel Monasterio Del Cuzco
CALLE PALACIO NO 136
Cusco, Peru
51 84 24 1777

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Don Ceferino

Restaurant

Quote:

A great place to people-watch and just off the Plaza de Armas, Don Ceferino's had great food and good service. We ordered, then sat and watched the world go by in the plaza just outside. Then my husband happened to look up. Wine bottles fill the ceiling overhead! (Major credit cards are accepted.)

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on July 13, 2005

Don Ceferino
Just off the Plaza de Armas
Cusco, Peru

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Ollantaytambo

Attraction | "Ollantaytambo Ruins"

Quote:

On the advice of a friend, we flew from Lima to Cuzco, then immediately went down into the Sacred Valley. This was a perfect way to acclimate gradually to the altitude. After checking into our hotel in the Sacred Valley (Sonesta Posada del Inca Yucay), we spent the balance of the day exploring ruins at Ollantaytambo. Across from the ruins is a large face carved into the rock of the mountain. The Ollantaytambo ruins and terraces are well preserved, including portions of the Sun Temple. The views of the Sacred Valley from the top of the ruins are awesome.

Member Rating 3 out of 5 on July 12, 2005

Ollantaytambo
93 kilómetros al NE
Cusco, Peru
N/A

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Saqsaywaman

Attraction

Quote:

Overlooking the city of Cusco is the Christ of the Andes and megalithic fortress Sacsayhuaman, a "bold example of Inca architectural skills." Constructed from massive stones (including one weighing 125 tons), Sacsayhuaman (pronounced an awful lot like "sexy woman") was once a military complex. From the top are great views of Cusco below.

Member Rating 3 out of 5 on July 13, 2005

Saqsaywaman
Outside Cusco
Cusco, Peru

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Plaza de Armas

Attraction

Quote:

To really appreciate Plaza de Armas, make a point to see it both day and night. By day, enjoy the local people as you wander the square, with its three churches and centerpiece fountain. By night, enjoy the golden glow of the churches with the Christ of the Andes looking on.

Member Rating 3 out of 5 on July 13, 2005

Plaza de Armas

Cusco, Peru

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Centro Qosqo de Arte Nativo

Attraction

Quote:

Wanting to see a folkloric show, I was glad to see one included in our Cusco Tourist Ticket, which covered 16 events. Not knowing where to go, we took a taxi over, but discovering it wasn't far from Plaza de Armas and our hotel, we elected to walk back. The show features live entertainment, traditional dances, and Andean music.

Since I enjoy Andean music, I recognized many of the songs. The show wasn't as good as I'd expected. The acoustics weren't the best and there were times of complete silence, I suppose to allow for costume change. Costumes were colorful and dances were lively. There were light snacks were for sale. Some people left at intermission.

Member Rating 2 out of 5 on July 13, 2005

Centro Qosqo de Arte Nativo
Avenida El Sol 604
Cusco, Peru
+51 84 22 7901