Cusco, Peru: Acclimation and Recovery

After a nasty 21 hour overnight bus ride from the sea level of Lima to the 11,500′ high mountain city of Cusco, we were ready to stretch our legs and wander…

We made a march up from Plaza de San Blas to a hospedaje situated in the hills above the main center. The streets were narrow and interrupted with steps, keeping cars from making it to the front door and subsequently keeping costs down. For S/50 ($18.56) a night, we had a humble home for a three day stay. (Never mind that toilet seats apparently don’t rank as necessary amenities…)

We stood on the porch and pinched ourselves as the peaceful views unfolded each day. Less than one week from home and we were completely immersed in a new life…

Shortly before a run-in with traveler’s tummy that threatened to halt our Inca Trail plans, we enjoyed delicious food from local eateries…

…and once we had reason to keep ourselves on a tame recovery diet, we stuck to the very American-friendly Jack’s Cafe where we still weren’t sure what we’d be eating…

Mild success as Ted tried to satisfy his coffee cravings.

Gratefully, the night before beginning our Inca Trail expedition, the antibiotics finally kicked in and we both perked up enough to wander the city and mentally prepare for the coming physical challenges of the trek.

Sometimes, the best way to leave a city is on cordial terms with a sincere, unspoken regret that there wasn’t just a bit more time to kindle a friendship…

Cusco, thank you for the oxygen. Thank you for the cheap gelato. Thank you for the recovery from the nasty bug. Thank you for sending us on our way to the Andes…