Cuzco to Machu Picchu Travel

I love the quaint town of Cuzco, the ancient capital of Inca Empire. It is such a fun place and the people are so gracious. We always stop in Cuzco for a few days to adjust to the altitude and hang out at the fabulous restaurants, and visit Inca ruins, and shop. We especially love getting the Peruvian chocolates, buying their beautiful textiles, and they even have a variety of crystal shops. And with the exchange rates, everything becomes a bargain. Plus, it always a pleasure to see our dear friends and make new friends.

While Machu Picchu is our favorite place to visit, it is only one of over 200 archaeological sites in Sacred Valley. There is so much to see and do.

Cuzco is located in the Andes Mountains at an elevation of about 11,150 ft (3,400 m), amongst towering holy mountains, ancient temples, high mountain altars, colonial architecture, and a complex history. This is one of the oldest, cities in the Western Hemisphere. It was the capital of the Inca Empire, until the early 16th century, when Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro captured the city in 1533. Cuzco really has it all for sightseeing. It is also the gateway for a trip to Machu Picchu, the "Lost City of the Incas". The altitude may take a little getting used too, so do not rush seeing it all.

Facts about Peru:

- There are 4000 native varieties of potatoes

- Guinea pigs are a culinary delicacy

- The city of Cuzco was originally built in the shape of a puma. The body of the puma contained the most important palaces, temples and governmental buildings. The square between the legs of the puma is the Plaza de Armas.

- Tour conditions: Cuzco - 11,400 elevation, high 60's day, low 50's night. Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu - 8,400 elevation, high 60's to 70 day, high 40's to 50's night

- "Since it is impossible to know what's really happening, we Peruvians lie, invent, dream and take refuge in illusion. Because of these strange circumstances, Peruvian life, a life in which so few actually do read, has become literary." - Mario Vargas Llosa, Peruvian Novelist.

For information on the vaccines, medications, and other measures necessary to prevent illness and injury during international travel, 1) See a Travel Health Specialist and Clinic, and 2) you can visit the CDC web site for US government information about traveling internationally at, www.cdc.gov/travel/tropsam.htm, and read the section specific to Peru http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/peru.aspx#vaccines.

Some people have received the following shots from their doctors: Typhoid, Hepatitis A and B, Tetanus. These vaccinations can take months to complete! Yellow Fever and Malaria are for Amazon areas mainly. It is best to consult with your own physician, who knows your medical history and can better advise you. Bring proof of your immunizations on the trip.

If you take any prescription medicines, containers should be clearly labeled with prescription labels to avoid problems at Customs. A standard first aid kit is advisable, as well as bringing your own favorite personal "remedies" for the common possibilities. These might include a remedy for headaches, bacterial infections, stomach, colds, and dehydration. Remember, you are responsible for your own health. The local pharmacies have common pharmaceutical products also, but they are very expensive.

You will want to bring your daypack as your airplane carry-on. Everything else should fit inside your main checked suitcase. Leave some space in your main bag (or bring an extra duffle bag) for souvenir purchases.

Your trip will be more enjoyable if you're not bogged down by unnecessary packing and luggage. There are laundry facilities available at hotels. They are quite good at getting your clothes back to you quickly, and are inexpensive. Pack what you feel you absolutely NEED but LESS IS MORE!

Drink only bottled water, and only use bottled water for brushing your teeth. Bottled water is readily available. It does not take much contamination to make you sick, and some diseases can be severe enough to ruin your trip. Do not use ice cubes unless you know them to be safe.

This is by far not a complete list of all of the wonderful dining in Cuzco, but our favorites. Most of the restaurants we recommend, are closest to the Plaza de Armas, cater to travelers, prepare food safely, and may wash vegetables in purified water.

HIGH END CUZCO RESTAURANTS - Meals 30-40 soles

Fallen Angel , Plaza Nazarenas 221
In July-Aug call to reserve a table (51 84) 258184. A very fun atmosphere and great food.

Tunupa, Portal Confituria 233, by the Plaza de Armas
Excellent Peruvian food, international food, buffet, and excellent desserts. Enjoy a music show every night.

Tupananchis, Plazoleta Espinar 180 - 184, by the Plaza de Armas - Excellent food.

MID-RANGE RESTAURANTS - Meals 15 to 25 Soles
A Mi Manera, Calle Triunfo 393, second floor inside arty complex. Tel: (51 84) 222219
Good Peruvian and international food, with a friendly atmosphere.

Cicciolina, Calle Triunfo 393
Elegant, with a sophisticated menu, good window seats, and downstairs is bakery.

Inka Fe, Choquechaca 131-A, Tel: (51 84) 258073
Great chicken, chocolates and coca cookies!

Jack's Café Bar, Choquechaca 509 - The best breakfast in Cuzco!!! Be prepared to wait on line during mealtimes.

Kusikuy, Suecia 339, Tel: (51 84) 292870 - The best guinea pig in Cuzco.

The Muse, Plateros 316, Plaza San Blas, Tel: (51 84) 984231717
Extensive vegan and vegetarian menu. The fruits and vegetables are washed in purified water. Live music.

Pachapapa Restaurante, Plaza San Blas 120, Tel: (51 84) 241318
Excellent Traditional Peruvian dishes. Reservations recommended. Outdoor seating available.

BARGAIN CUZCO RESTAURANTS/ CAFES - Meals Under 10 soles.

Buen Pastor, Cuesta San Blas 579
French Cafe run by nuns to support young orphans. Croissants, French bread, pastries and cakes.

El Encuentro , Santa Catalina Ancha 384, Tel: (51 84) 247977
A vegetarian restaurant with all day breakfast, and plenty of tasty, wholesome food.

Narguila , Tecsecocha 405 (on the corner), Tel: (51 84) 9313107 - Great falafel and hummus.

Did you know Putucusi is called the Happy Mountain and it is located northeast of Machu Picchu? Putucusi or Putukusi is a Quecha word meaning "Happy Mountain". As you drive up to Machu Picchu, you will see Putucusi is the round-shaped mountain, smiling enthusiastically at Machu Picchu. Putucusi is the legendary portal to the "Crystal City of Light", a vortex of high energy. Many people describe this mountain transforming their lives, forever.

The hike up to Patucusi is an extremely challenging adventure, and is much more a difficult compared to Huayna Picchu, or anything else in that area. You will be climbing up to 8,500 feet above sea level at its peak, an estimated 1800 ft elevation gain. It is a vertical hike with 1700 steps (wood ladders and rock steps) which takes 1.5 hours or for some people more. As you climb, you notice there are medium size wood ladders versus small ladders. The higher you climb the smaller the ladders get. Yikes! These wooden ladders are strapped to the mossy rock of Putucusi, and a wire rail you hold onto for any loose rocks that you may come across the hike. You must be in peak shape, and have excellent balance and coordination. My husband is fearless and can't stop talking about this hike. If he goes, I'll go with him to make sure he doesn't fall.

Once you get to the top of Putucusi, you will get a breathtaking view of all of Machu Picchu and the Urubamba River Valley. You will never forget this unbelievable hike. You may even be transformed by the Crystal City of Light. If you are transformed, leave a comment on this blog. We would love to hear your experience.