Today was the day we finally made it to the city of Cusco. The wait was well worth it. It was hot and sunny, something rather surprising to us since we are high up in the mountains, above 3000 meters. We were met at the airport and then driven to the Libertador Hotel on one of the main plazas in downtown Cusco.

The hotel is lovely, like an old Spanish Colonial mansion. When we arrived, they gave us a drink called “mate de coca”, an infusion made with coca leaves. It is purported to help you become acclimated and to avoid the effects of altitude sickness. Yesterday, we were supposed to tour the Sacred Valley, but we were unable to reach the city, so that was the first thing we did today. That way, we could see everything that was on the itinerary.

All you have to do is pass the city limits and you will feel the enchantment of Cusco, the magic hidden in its cobblestoned, narrow streets and walls formed by massive stones that give the appearance of padding, and the charm of its preciously carved wooden balconies. Let’s see if we can download some pictures and post them on the blog.

We were quite impressed with the tour of the small valley towns. As you drive through the valley itself, you are surrounded by incredibly huge mountains and other extensive valleys. Everywhere you look, you see people dressed in characteristic oufits. And the children are just too cute. We saw several towns, but the one we loved the most is Ollantaytambo, the only one which has been able to maintain its Incan past almost intact.

I love the way the Incas thought, their way of living and working, their respect for nature, and many other things we were told about them. I only wish our world leaders could learn a thing or two from them.

I think they were a super advanced civilization for their time. It is really amazing to see what they accomplished in the way of construction. I have fallen in love with this land which radiates magic and energy everywhere.

By the way, the food is delicious. We love ceviche, the thousand and one varieties of potatoes, chicha morada, sweet potatoes… there’s still so much more to say about it.