We Out: Cusco, Peru
GUNNERPHI made it to Peru!
Flying in and out of Cusco is not easy. The airport is relatively small and flights in and out of the mountainous city are not frequent. Should you decide to go, you’ll more than likely need to connect in the capital city, Lima, going both ways.
We arrived in the middle of spring, which is known for being the region’s rainy season. It lived up to its reputation. It rained for some measure of time each day, and when it did, it rained hard. Because so much of what we planned was outdoors, we constantly checked weather apps for updates. We did catch rain right as we got to Machu Picchu’s peak, but we all packed ponchos, and the rain subsided after about 20 minutes. It was overcast for the rest of the day, but we didn’t encounter any more precipitation during our trek.
I came for Machu Picchu and that famous view you get once you reach the peak of the hike, but I left with much more. Every part of the city is scenic, as mountains are always within view. The entire city is effectively on a mountain. That combined with some rocky roads makes driving consistently bumpier than usual. Fortunately, if you are staying in the Wanchaq area adjacent to the airport, you’ll be walking distance from a lot of cool things to do.
During those walks you get a real taste of Peru. This town isn’t dressed up for tourists outside of the small downtown’s shops and restaurants. You see people living everyday life and preserving their culture. There are the vendors selling neat bags, bracelets, and necklaces on the street. The buildings are all made from a light brown stone that gives the scene real solidarity. You’re never too far from a church or cathedral like the giant Qorikancha. Oh and statues are abundant. Major Incan and Peruvian leaders and warriors are immortalized in many locations, including the original Tupac Amaru in his own small park.
That culture changes a bit the further you get from Wanchaq. We took a day to ride ATVs and zipline through the Sacred Valley. It was here that we learned, in the heart of Peru, that they barely speak Spanish. In those isolated inland areas, they speak Quechua, the language of their native ancestors. We saw the most rural parts of Peru like the salt mines in Maras, that have been used to make salt dating back to Incan times. Moray also showed a few intricate terraces hidden deep in the city’s ranges.
In all, visiting Cusco was an experience I won’t soon forget. I can only hope I make it back to Peru one day to see the coast, get more of their food, and hike the Rainbow Mountain.
