Coming to Cusco (Cuzco)

After taking another night bus, I have arrived in Cusco or in Quechua (Inca) language, Qusqu or Qosqo. Legend has it that the first Inca king, Manco Capac was directed by the sun god, Inti to find qosq'o, "the navel of the earth". After a long search, he found the point and named the city after it. Cusco is the longest, continuously inhabited city in the Americas. The first inhabitants began living in Cusco around 1500 BC and after the Incas arrived there in 1100's AD , they made it their capital.

The Inca believed the world was divided into three planes represented by animals, the condor (upper world where their gods dwelled), the puma (the earth where the Incas and humans lived) and the snake (the underworld). Often these three animals are depicted in Inca carvings, paintings and woven in textiles. The ninth Inca king, Pachacutec diverted the river from the city and then went about urban planning Cusco to be shaped like a puma.

There are still many remants of  Inca walls (some over 500 years old) that dot the city or been built on top by other buildings. Banks, hotels, cafes, and shops all share room with these ancient walls and streets. The original Inca walls were made with perfectly fitted giant polished stones and their weight holds them in place without any motar or cement. The walls were also angled at 13 degrees for stability and to resist the  occasional earthquake. With the coming of the Spanish conquistadors in 1533 marked the end of the Inca rule in Cusco. The Spanish conquered and renamed the city to Cusco the following year, building churches on Inca religious or sacred sites.

The main square (Plaza de Armas) is unique as there are two churches. The catherdral and a grand church built by the Jesuits in competition with the bishop at the time. These were built over an Inca palace and temple.

In this region of Peru, away from the coast the food specialities are cuy al horno (roasted guinea pig) and anticuchos (skewered beef hearts), best taken in my opinion off a street vendor fanning the grill and spashing the barbequed meat and potatoes with some spicy green salsa.

Cusco is also the jumping off point to trek to the once "lost" Inca city of Machu Picchu and the various routes to get there. Easily one of the main reasons people visit South America and the reason why tourism is Peru's second main economy. The popular Inca Trail must be booked 3-6 months ahead as they limit the number of people going on the trail. I have signed on to the cheaper and easier to arrange five-day Salkantay trek, an alternate route to Machu Picchu that goes around and behind the fortress city. But before I leave I also wanted to see a bit of the Amazon, so off to Manu National Park for four days for a view of both high and lowland jungles. Hopefully, the mosquitoes won't be too bad.

The costs for both excursions was very reasonable so I know what that means.... food will likely be inadequate. Off to buy some supplies and a 6:00 am start.