Cusco, Peru

Scott and I just returned home from a 10 day trip of a lifetime to Peru and Ecuador. While our first stop was intended to be Machu Picchu, we were enchanted by Cusco, Peru-the closest city to the historical site. We didn't have much time to explore, but fortunately, like most old cities, the main points of interest are within a few blocks from each other. 

Cusco has some amazing churches and convents. This is the Church de la Compania de Jesus, built by Jesuits in the 1500's.

Cusco is a mostly modern city, but there were many women walking around in this traditional Peruvian attire, with the tall hat.

Yep, they have a Starbucks.

The view from our lunch spot of Cusco. The elevation in Cusco is 11,200 ft-making it a bit of an adjustment for us flatlanders.

Narrow neighborhood streets.

Churches everywhere with lovely detail.

Side view of the Cusco cathedral. Inside there is a reproduction of the famous Last Supper painting, but in this version the apostles are eating Guinea Pig, a local specialty.

The Santo Damingo Convent. One thing we noticed is that there were quite a few nuns walking around, especially young ones-something you don't see much in the US anymore.

One of the many arches in town. We noticed that there are churches everywhere-big ones-just a block or two from each other.

While Scott didn't try Guinea Pig, he did taste some Alpaca-which he said was delicious (shockingly, I ate chicken).

Our hotel had a cool outdoor patio, equipped with warm hats and ponchos for the chilly night. Yes, I look like an idiot.