Cuzco or Cusco? Quechua is the language still spoken by the native peoples of Peru, the descendants of the Inca. There is no ‘z’ in the Quechuan alphabet so the town name was officially changed to Cusco1. You’ll probably notice both spellings in town.
This is the seat of power for the Incan Empire so it’s a must-see destination in Peru. I only spent a day in town because there was so much on my list to see across the country. However, I regret not spending more time here.
Nav:
City Walk: Cusco Cathedral had children practicing a school dance/play out front.
Look for statues of Incan Emperors across the country.
Current structures have incorporated Incan stonework since they were originally constructed, as seen down the city streets in the old part of town.
Saqsaywaman: It’s an archeological site from Incan times. It’s used much the way today as it was back then…for picnics and family recreation. The scale of some of the stones is amazing to think about during construction, much less how seamlessly they are fit together.
Temple of the Sun: If you’re pressed for time on visiting other Incan sites around the country or haven’t had you’re fill, stop by and see some of the best examples of Incan engineering.
Nosh:
Jonas Cocina Fusion: Try a little alpaca (maybe a beef flavor with chicken texture) with quinoa, beef tenderloin, and save room for a cherry chocolate bomb.
Nip:
Fresh squeezed juice of all kinds (fruits and veg) are available across the country. Try some as you recover from overeating at breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
I’m a sucker for Irish pubs in places other than Ireland. I’m amused and perplexed as the export of their culture through pubs…but I guess the Italians and Chinese do the same thing.
I went with a traditional Guinness (from a can) but they have a locally brewed stout that I was recommended by a local expat after I had already ordered.
