Waaaay back in the third weekend of February, we traveled to the historic city of Cusco. As this was our first weekend trip together as a class, pre-planned by the university, we did not know what to expect. We met at the airport at 4:30am, walked out onto the tarmac and climbed up into the most cramped airplane I have ever been in. I’m not a very tall person and yet I could barely fit my legs behind the seat in front of me. Luckily the flight was short and the incredible views of the Andes mountains were worth it. After sweating day in and day out in Lima, it was an odd feeling to be flying over mountains that were capped with snow.
Once we landed and collected our bags, a big van was waiting outside for us. We jumped aboard and were whisked through the historic city of Cusco to our hotel, La Prisma. The hotel was decorated like something out of the 70’s, but the big windows and plants gave off a homey and quaint vibe. We were all exhausted from waking up and traveling so early, but nonetheless excited to be on our own and out of Lima for a weekend. After quick naps, our group gathered in the lobby where our guide, Nacho, was waiting to take us to lunch. Cusco is an adorable city with narrow cobblestone streets nestled between mountains. The air felt a lot cooler and thinner than what we were used to, and we were advised to take Sorochi pills to prevent altitude sickness.
Once we landed and collected our bags, a big van was waiting outside for us. We jumped aboard and were whisked through the historic city of Cusco to our hotel, La Prisma. The hotel was decorated like something out of the 70’s, but the big windows and plants gave off a homey and quaint vibe. We were all exhausted from waking up and traveling so early, but nonetheless excited to be on our own and out of Lima for a weekend. After quick naps, our group gathered in the lobby where our guide, Nacho, was waiting to take us to lunch. Cusco is an adorable city with narrow cobblestone streets nestled between mountains. The air felt a lot cooler and thinner than what we were used to, and we were advised to take Sorochi pills to prevent altitude sickness.
After lunch we began our historical tours. Cusco has a lot of history behind it, it was estimated that it was inhabited by Incan populations as far back as some 3,000 years ago. We spent the entire afternoon being shuttled to and from archaeological sights, walking around ruins, and taking in views of the city. (All the while Nacho told tales and recounted the significance of each place) When we finally returned back to our hotel, I think we were all in bed by 10 pm, completely exhausted from the long day and the thought of more tours beginning at 8 am. We all rose early again, had our breakfast sandwiches and coffee at the hotel, and began another full day of tours. We saw so many incredible sights in such a short amount of time! Nacho did an amazing job of leading us from place to place, all the while telling us facts and information. He spoke almost perfect English, but with the thickest Spanish accent. He tried to teach us many Quechua words (the native language of cusco) and was so patient when we wandered off and took too long taking pictures. We were in such a beautiful area that even the bus rides were entertaining just being able to look at the monstrous green mountains we were driving through.
We went to the Catedral Basilica where we were able to witness a processional of offering to one of the saints. A group of the church’s members were walking through the sanctuary, singing beautiful hymns and carrying huge vases of flowers.
We went to Quorikancha which was an Incan sun temple built estimated to have been built before 1435. The huge structure was destroyed by Spaniards in the 16th century and they built the Santo Domingo convent and church on its ruins. One section of the Incan temple remains inside the church though, and we were able to walk through the massive stone walls.
We rode the bus farther up the mountain where we saw the remains of more ancient civilizations. The architecture looked primitive, huge stones fitted together without martyr, but was always actually intelligently planned. The huge stones that create the Saqsaywaman were planned so well, that if the middle one were to fall out, all of the others would fall perfectly to take its place. Because of this, these structures and walls were able to survive centuries of earthquakes and other disasters.
Along with plenty of ancient ruins, we also got to go to a few artistic demonstrations. Textiles and clothing made from alpaca are a big deal in Cusco. By the end of our trip, I think everyone in our group had some type of sweater, hat, or socks made from the soft fur. We were able to go learn how to choose the best alpaca quality and also see how they use different herbs and flowers to dye the textiles. It was so cool to witness firsthand old traditional techniques used to create these beautiful pieces of fabric and clothing.
We went to the Catedral Basilica where we were able to witness a processional of offering to one of the saints. A group of the church’s members were walking through the sanctuary, singing beautiful hymns and carrying huge vases of flowers.
We went to Quorikancha which was an Incan sun temple built estimated to have been built before 1435. The huge structure was destroyed by Spaniards in the 16th century and they built the Santo Domingo convent and church on its ruins. One section of the Incan temple remains inside the church though, and we were able to walk through the massive stone walls.
We rode the bus farther up the mountain where we saw the remains of more ancient civilizations. The architecture looked primitive, huge stones fitted together without martyr, but was always actually intelligently planned. The huge stones that create the Saqsaywaman were planned so well, that if the middle one were to fall out, all of the others would fall perfectly to take its place. Because of this, these structures and walls were able to survive centuries of earthquakes and other disasters.
Along with plenty of ancient ruins, we also got to go to a few artistic demonstrations. Textiles and clothing made from alpaca are a big deal in Cusco. By the end of our trip, I think everyone in our group had some type of sweater, hat, or socks made from the soft fur. We were able to go learn how to choose the best alpaca quality and also see how they use different herbs and flowers to dye the textiles. It was so cool to witness firsthand old traditional techniques used to create these beautiful pieces of fabric and clothing.
Cusco is an adorable little town in the mountains that I fell in love with after being there just four short days. The slower pace to life, cool air, and small-town charm was a refreshing break after living in a hot, busy city for two months.