Machu Picchu Travels

We enjoyed a brief orientation at our Cusco hotel with our guide, Teddy. We'd had a long journey from Quito to Lima, and we were thankful for the mate tea, the opportunity to unwind, and to rest for a day of hiking tomorrow. Cusco is one of the most picturesque cities I have ever visited. The architecture is all colonial Spanish (frequently built on the remains of Inca rockwork), and the city is lively, with well-maintained walkways, gorgeous night lighting, and friendly locals.

We had more opportunities to explore Cusco for a couple more nights and enjoy the ceviche, quinoa and local cuisine. An excellent museum has just opened that has an incredible display of huacos (remains for Incan graves) that were removed from Peru by Hiram Bingham and taken to Yale University. The museum, Casa Concha, or Museo Machpicchu, is a stellar example of architecture in which Spanish colonials build right on top of a royal Incan residence. The building is beautifully restored, having survived 2 earthquakes. A fitting closure to an amazing trip.