Cusco - Peru 28th March

The view overlooking Cusco from our hostal

Cusco
Before coming to Cusco we stopped at Puno on the northern edge of Lake Titcaca. It was here that we were talked into buying a bus ticket to Cusco from a local who seemed friendly and trustworthy. Normally we don't do this sort of thing but we ignored our good sense and went ahead. Not only were we overchanged for the bus by a ridiculous amount it also broke down mid way!
This was 4 hours into the journey and in the middle of nowhere. After an hour of watching the bus driver doing a lot of chin rubbing whilst looking at the steaming engine, Rich and me got talking to another passenger (a local from Cusco) who helped us get onto another bus towards Cusco. This bus was a 'locals' bus, slow and really overpacked with people, Rich was sat in the front with the driver (and a whole family) whilst I thankfully got a seat but was then subjected to a barrage of questions in Spanish from other passengers. Thankfully I had a packet of crackers which I handed out and managed to make some friends.


Shelley and Craig are a nightmare if you´re trying to stay sober


Partners in crime

We finally made it to Cusco only an hour later than we should have done, we checked into an amazing hostel with wonderful views and then bumped into some friends (Craig and Shelley) who we had met in Buenos Aires. We spent the evening with them and Craig ordered a Cuy (guinea pig) which is meant to be a speciality of Peru...we couldn't quite see this with it's little teeth and claws, and they had even fashioned a little hat out of a tomato and some herbs.

We had a couple of days before our Macchu Picchu trek to relax in Cusco, we spent this time having fun with Craig and Shelley and exploring the city which was by far one of the most beautiful cities I have ever visited. I can completely see why it is a UNESCO world heritage site. Cusco comes from the Quechua word Qusqu meaning centre of the universe and the city is steeped in history from the Inca times. Some buildings still have the original Inca walls however there is also a lot of colonial buildings from the Spanish conquistion which are equally beautiful. In particular the main Plaza de Almas which is surrounded by the Cathedral and 3 other intricately carved churches.


Plaza De Almas


Cusco cathedral


The huge Inca rocks

Cusco is also the stepping point for the sacred valley and Macchu Picchu which means that it is an extremely touristy place. Despite this it is a wonderful place to stay for a while and we have decided to stay here for at least a week after our trek with our friends, and also for my birthday.

Copacabana - Bolivia 25th March

Copacabana from the hillside church yard

Copacabana & Isla Del Sol
Copacabana is a small town on the southern edge of Lake Titicaca in Bolivia. With only 6000 inhabitants the town is primarily set up for tourists wanting to get over to Isla del Sol (island of the sun), which was an important site in Inca times. It was reputed that the first Inca emerged from here, as well as the sun.

We spent a night in Cocacabana before getting a boat over to the island. It wasn't what we had been expecting, the islands services were extremely basic but it was nice to get away and walk around the island looking at the Inca ruins. The views and scenery were absolutely amazing!


Stunning views of Lake Titicaca


Inca ruins overlooking Lake Titicaca (or Lake Tits)


Local people, sheep and pigs

Lake Titicaca
Lake Titicaca is the world's highest navigatable lake sitting at 3811 metres above sea level. It is located in both Bolivia and Peru and provides the locals with their beloved trucha (trout). Since 2000 it's water levels have been receding as the rainy seasons are shortening and due to the melting of the glaciers that feed it. It was great being here and seeing Lake Titcaca as it has so much history and especially for being the birth place for the sun and moon in Inca mythology.