I'm unsure how to write about my time in Cusco. I feel I didn't spend enough time there, so didn't do it justice. Give me another month in Peru, please?
Cusco is 3,600m above sea level so coming from Lima I had to adjust to the altitude. That was my first three days right there. Although I got off lightly compared to other people I spoke to, a drastic change in altitude took it out of me and I spent the first day doing absolutely nothing and the next two days doing not much.
I heard that breathing at high altitude burns the same amount of calories as jogging at sea level. This explains the exhaustion that comes with adjusting to altitude. I even got breathless going for short walks which was frustrating for me as my favourite way to get to know a city is just to wander for hours!
I did have an incredible day exploring the Sacred Valley though, on a tour which included the towns of Pisac, Ollantaytambo and Chincero. The drive was stunning as we wound our way through the valley.
Cusco is 3,600m above sea level so coming from Lima I had to adjust to the altitude. That was my first three days right there. Although I got off lightly compared to other people I spoke to, a drastic change in altitude took it out of me and I spent the first day doing absolutely nothing and the next two days doing not much.
I heard that breathing at high altitude burns the same amount of calories as jogging at sea level. This explains the exhaustion that comes with adjusting to altitude. I even got breathless going for short walks which was frustrating for me as my favourite way to get to know a city is just to wander for hours!
I did have an incredible day exploring the Sacred Valley though, on a tour which included the towns of Pisac, Ollantaytambo and Chincero. The drive was stunning as we wound our way through the valley.
On my third day I wandered around the city and found this view, complete with ilamas!
When planning my trip, the main reason for visiting Cusco was because it was where I was to start my Inca Trail trek. I now know that it is a destination in itself and would have warrented another week! Until next time?