Backpacking Cusco: A Detailed Travel Guide with Pictures

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Arrival and Settling In: Cusco's First Impressions

Arrival in Cusco and Initial Impressions

After a night bus from Arequipa – surprisingly comfortable, I must say – my boyfriend, Rule, and I arrived in Cusco. The first thing that hit me wasn't the altitude (though that would come later!), but the sheer energy of the city. It was a palpable buzz, a blend of ancient history and modern vibrancy that was immediately captivating.

We checked into our hostel, a charming place perched on a hill. The uphill trek was a bit of a workout, but it gave us a stunning first glimpse of the city sprawling below. The views alone were worth the effort! Our private room was basic but perfectly adequate, and the shared bathroom was clean and functional. It was exactly what we needed after our overnight journey.

Next on the agenda: cash and breakfast. Finding an ATM that didn't charge exorbitant fees was a small victory in itself – Banco de la Nación proved to be our friend. Then, it was time for a well-deserved breakfast, fueling up before the day's adventures. I'm already completely charmed by this place; it’s clear this is going to be a memorable trip.

Finding an ATM and Enjoying Breakfast

First things first: cash. After our overnight bus, the priority was securing some soles. We’d heard horror stories of exorbitant ATM fees, so we did our research. Banco de la Nación became our unlikely hero; their machines proved friendly to our wallets, dispensing local currency without the usual hefty charges. Small victories, right? It felt like a triumph.

With our mission accomplished, and our pockets (slightly) heavier, we moved on to the truly important task: breakfast. Cusco offers a delightful culinary landscape. I was eager to sample the local flavors. We ended up at a small café – I don't recall the name, sadly – but the food was excellent. It was exactly what we needed after our long journey. Fuelled and ready, we were ready to start exploring this incredible city. The energy that we felt before we went for breakfast only grew stronger afterwards, propelling us toward whatever adventures awaited.

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Exploring Cusco's History and Culture

A Day Exploring Cusco City

After a delicious and much-needed breakfast, Rule and I were ready to tackle Cusco. The city’s energy was infectious; it pulsed with a vibrant blend of ancient history and modern life. Our first stop was the Cori Kancha, a captivating former Inca temple, now partially ruined but still incredibly evocative. The sheer scale of the structure was impressive, even in its current state. We spent a good hour wandering the grounds, imagining the temple in its golden glory, before the Spanish conquest stripped it of its treasures.

The afternoon found us exploring the Plaza de Armas, Cusco's main square. It was a hive of activity: street vendors, tour guides, pigeons – the usual suspects, but with a distinctly Peruvian flavour. We grabbed lunch at Jack's Cafe, a highly-rated spot known for its generous sandwiches (Rule's veggie burger was, in fact, monstrous). The square itself is beautiful; a serene oasis amidst the bustling city.

Later, we stumbled upon a small parade, a surprisingly frequent occurrence in Cusco, apparently. It added to the overall feel of joyful chaos. We also briefly considered visiting the impressive churches surrounding the Plaza de Armas, but the entrance fees were a bit steep, and photography was restricted inside. Perhaps another time.

Finally, we finished our day with a visit to the San Blas neighborhood, a charming area with steep, narrow cobblestone streets and artisan workshops. The sunset views from this elevated location were breathtaking, making for the perfect end to our first full day exploring this fascinating city. Cusco, you’ve already stolen a piece of my heart.

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Cusco's Vibrant Markets and Culinary Delights

Experiencing a Second Day in Cusco

Our second day in Cusco began with a slightly different agenda. Instead of temple-hopping, we focused on immersing ourselves in the city's vibrant pulse. This meant a visit to San Pedro Market, a sprawling labyrinth of sights, sounds, and smells. It was sensory overload in the best possible way – a kaleidoscope of colorful produce, exotic fruits, and countless vendors hawking their wares. The sheer scale of the market was astounding; rows upon rows of stalls stretched as far as the eye could see.

We navigated the bustling aisles, Rule marveling at the unusual fruits while I snapped photos of the dazzling displays. The air hummed with the energy of bartering and the chatter of locals. We sampled exotic juices, the sweetness a welcome contrast to the slightly sour pineapple-pear concoction we’d tried earlier. The experience was less of a simple market visit and more like stepping into a vibrant, living painting. Every corner revealed a new surprise, a new texture, a new flavor, a new interaction with friendly locals, confirming once again my initial impression: Cusco is a city that truly captivates.

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FAQ

What is the best way to find ATMs with low fees in Cusco?

Banco de la Nación ATMs are recommended for avoiding exorbitant fees.

What are some must-see sites in Cusco besides Machu Picchu?

The Cori Kancha (former Inca temple), Plaza de Armas (main square), and the San Blas neighborhood (artisan workshops) are all recommended.

What's the best way to find affordable tours in Cusco?

The video suggests getting quotes from multiple tour providers and comparing prices.