Cuzco, Peru: One of the Jewels and Oldest Vibrant Cities In South America
Written: Jul 07 '01 (Updated Jul 08 '01)
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Pros: Beautiful architecture, elegant colonial buildings, abundant nature, flora and fauna, vibrant city
Cons: Plaza's aggressive guides
The Bottom Line: If you want to re-connect with nature and find out what it is like to experience another culture, visit Cuzco and Machu Picchu in Peru!
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| charles's Full Review: Cuzco |
Even if you were never interested in travel writing, a visit to Cuzco and a trek to Machu Picchu would inspire you to jot down a few lines expressing your joy and personal transformation. Such was my experience back in 1998 when I was invited to visit a good college friend of mine and his parents. There was no way I could turn his people down because, after all, I had read so much about the greatness of the Inca empire in textbooks and travel guides. My curiosity was piqued way ahead of time. I flew from Miami International airport to Lima, then flew into Cuzco to stay with the family. Unfortunately, this missionary family had to relocate back to the US due to the poor health of two of their kids. My memories of this trip are fresh on my mind. This is why I would like to share them with you.
What you need to know to enjoy your time in Cuzco, Peru!
First things first, avoid getting into political matters. After all, you are going to be there for a short while, there's no need to get into politics.
Cuzco is known as the center of world, the navel of the world. It's defined as the cradle of the Inca empire. Thanks to its great pre-historic and colonial legacy, this old city seems to be getting a new life. It makes sense that tourisms remains one of its main sources of revenues. At any given time, you will find tourists walking its plazas, checking out its palaces and temples. They are from all over the world. Marketing campaigns and word of mouth do a great job for this part of the country despite the striking poverty in the rest of the nation and specially among the indigenous people.
Cuzco's art, magic and surviving beauty as reflected in its landscape, institutions, architecture, costumes and native people
Most tourists who want to visit Machu Picchu end spending some time in Cuzco to acclimate. They often go there to get a good feel of the region and catch their bus ride. If you intend to visit Machu Picchu, you can take the train at San Pedro Station to Aguas Calientes. It is recommended that you spend some time to acclimate again. The reason is that you will have to climb a lot to reach Macchu Picchu, Quechua name for old mountain or old climb. Then, you can catch the buses. Another very reliable way to reach Machu Picchu is to use the trail. It is not something that the weak ones can do easily. I would advise you to hire the services of a good tour guide. Cuzco is full of them. These guides are natives who are familiar with the trek. For reasonable fees, you will be able to rely on their expertise in the back country. At the same time, you have to stay alert, modest and respectful of the cultural norms and mores. As you will meet various other groups on the trail, show your confidence by relying on your homework. Carry yourself with pride and remain aware of your surroundings.
By the way, depending on your budget, you can also get up there by chartering a helicopter flight. For a number of hours, you can have some great aerial views of the beauty of this part of the country. You will come face to face with the mystery and greatness of the Inca monuments.
Practical information to help you plan your trip to Cuzco
Make your reservations for the dry season. Cuzco's rainy season runs from November till March. Then comes the dry season running from April till October. I took my trip in June 1998. Since then, there have been quite a few changes. But the beauty of the place, the sometimes-cloud-covered sky and the 6 surrounding mountains remain the main attractions for many. You will be in awe of the complexity, variety of musical instruments, costumes and dances and food varieties offered by the local restaurants. If you intend to spend some time in Cuzco, I would advise to check a few good restaurants around the Plaza. One of my favorites so far is La Retama, located right on the Plaza de Armas. In fact, you will find most guides around the area. While eating at this restaurant, you can see the plaza. You will fall in love with the local dishes. I like seco de cordero and Anticucho de lomo respectively lamb and beef brochette. The restaurant also displays some of the best works from local craftmen and artists. They have good quality. So after eating, you can do some shopping for souvenirs.
For sure, Cuzco has some great other restaurants. If you want more information, visit the following sites.
www.cuzcoperu.com.pe or www.cuzcoperu.com/La Retama
Spanish, Quechua and other languages are spoken. Obviously, you will encounter many English-speaking guides and workers there. You won't be totally lost.
Enjoy yourself once for all!
Enjoy your trip to Peru; visit its world-famous sites!
Recommended:
Yes
Best Suited For: Friends
Best Time to Travel Here: Jun - Aug
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Epinions.com ID:
charles
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Location: CA, USA
Reviews written: 1079
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