NAME: Chris
CITY: Cusco
COUNTRY: Peru
YEAR OF TRIP: 2014
HOW LONG WERE YOU THERE?: One month
BEST TIME TO GO: Summer
GREATEST CHALLENGE: Small airport, so limited options to get there, adding travel time
WHAT MAKES THIS PLACE SPECIAL? The city balances urban and traditional Peru. Many English speakers downtown, so language barriers aren’t a problem unless you travel outside of downtown. In the summer there are weekly festivals. It’s the gateway to Machu Picchu!
MUST EAT:
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Tomato & Lamb Curry, Korma Sutra
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Picarones (Peruvian donuts), Picarones Ruinas
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Pisco Sours, Jardín Secreto
MUST SEE:
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Qorikancha – Inca ruins downtown formerly covered in gold
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Plaza de Armas
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Twelve-Angled Stone
MUST DO:
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Picnic at Cristo Blanco
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Hike to Puerta del Sol
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Explore Saqsaywaman (more ruins)
OTHER RECOMMENDATIONS: Walk the narrow streets, find markets, eat street food. There is so much to do in such a small city, with plenty of history and culture.