Alive in CUZCO May - June 2022
July 27, 2022 at 12:37 PM
En route to the Andes, I stopped briefly in Lima for two nights to take a breather after the challenging flights and Pandemic processes, I encountered. I checked in to find a beauty pageant in full swing with media falling over themselves as the gorgeous scantily clad ‘chicas’ paraded and sashayed through the Bar/Restaurant! WOW, I was overdressed! Anyway 2 days later, I left and flew to Cusco. What a start!
20 days in Cuzco and NOW I DEFINITELY feel alive! The altitude (3500m) is a limiting factor to begin with until you have acclimatised! It takes about 5-10 days if all else is okay. You basically eat lightly, hydrate often, that is, drink lots of mate de coca and move at a slower pace, or else!
Cuzco is a vibrant city of 400,000 (estimate) people. I love it! I spend most of my time in the Central Historical part of the city. There’s a lot to see, the many historic buildings, especially the ornate churches, baroque style and the astounding Inca Walls which, some, still exist today in their original state. Cuzco is an astounding city, with it’s colonial architecture, a reminder that the Spanish Conquistadors, occupied this part of the world from the 1500s.
Despite the pandemic, Peruvians are determined to get back into action as soon as is possible. In my experience, they are a stoic, hard- working, accepting, generous people, intent on your enjoying their city, towns, villages and culture.
The Cusquenos are proud of their heritage and in June, it is the time of year to celebrate Inti Raymi, the Festival of the Sun. They pay homage to their Inca origins and as well as, Corpus Cristi, a religious event, comemorating their Colonial heritage. Tourists of many nationalities are flocking into the city for the festivals. Accomodation is at a premium as is the Exchange rate for USD to Peruvian Soles. I am constantly bargaining for the best rate!
I’m in awe of the many businesses that have re-opened, re-located, re-branded and re-staffed (as best they could). I have been immersed in Spanish lessons and have had time to discover new activities on offer, new bike trails and Cooking Classes which are in hot demand. I’ve already booked. I’m pleased to say that Machu Picchu, Ollantaytambo and Pisac, some of the major tourist drawcards in the high Andes, if not the world, will undoubtedly receive a revival of the tourist numbers the Peruvians so richly deserve and have experienced Pre- Pandemic!
PERU is OPEN and is fast tracking the Tourist Infrastructure to cope with the influx of visitors! Que bueno!
