Cusco

Plaza de Armas in Cusco

Cusco is the connecting town between the capital Lima in Peru and Machu Picchu, the ancient Inca town on the mountains. Cusco, located at 3 400 metres above sea level, was also our choice when deciding where to stay when visiting one of the world's most important sights. Only a few blocks from the centre is also the hotel where we stayed at - within easy walking distance.

Inner patio at the hotel Tierra Viva

On Friday night, after our plane ride from Lima to Cusco the first thing to do after settling at our hotel, Tierra Viva, we took care about purchasing the necessary tickets needed within the area. Since we had only two complete days in the region, and most of the tours that were offered were all-day tours, we had to make fast decisions.

In Peru, coca tea is used like coffee in Europe. They also promote its healing effects against altitude sickness.

By the time we were finished, we were hungry so it was time to check out the city and its offerings. One block next to the central plaza, Plaza de Armas, is Plaza Kusipata.

Our travel agent recommended us a good restaurant, Chicha, that offers typical Creole cuisine. Peruvian food is known to be the most delicious all over the continent.

Chicha is the Peruvian celebrity chef Gastón Acurio's first venture in Cusco.

Starter: Classic Ceviche

Main course 1: Ají de gallina

Main course 2: Lomo saltado

Dessert: Créme brûlée mazamorrero

Because we arrived to the restaurant between the peak hours, it was quite empty and felt cold. Perhaps it would have been livelier and hence, cozier, at another time. The staff was friendly and food was delicious, though. While eating, we were able to admire the view to the beautiful and well-maintained plaza.

As both of us were suffering from a lack of sleep, we decided to call the night off early and get prepared for the next day's tour in the Sacred Valley. But more about that another time...

Bridge of the West

Colombia's second largest city, Medellin, is fondly called the City of Eternal Spring. Located in the department of Antioquia, Medellin is also a city known internationally for one of its most infamous residents, Pablo Escobar, but also for being the beauty operational hub, and for being so far the only city in Colombia with an underground public transportation system.

Medellin has, however, plenty of other things to offer, too. It is also known for its textile industry and many fashion designers, diverse nature and the Colombian artist, Botero.
The flight time to Medellin is only about half an hour, and dozens of daily flights unite the city with Bogota, so it is within easy reach.

On our first night in Medellin we met up with some colleagues and went for a nice dinner at an restaurant called Carmen. In addition to delicious international cuisine, the lovely atmosphere, cute furniture and tranquil inner patio with a garden make the place even more enjoyable.

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The next day we visited one of the nearby weekend getaways for Medellin natives, Santa Fe, and its most important site of interest, el Puente del Occidente. The hanging wooden Bridge of the West is a national monument.

The bridge crosses over one of Colombia's most important river, Rio Cauca.

After getting to know the national monument, we started to be a bit hungry, so it was time to drive to the centre of the municipality of Santa Fe. More about that another time...

Sense Overload

As we were driving towards our first pitstop, the Cathedral of Salt in Zipaquirá, the beautiful scenery flashed before our eyes.

About 110 km east of Bogotá we passed an important national monument, the bridge of Boyacá. The bridge is representing the historic battle of August 7, 1819 known as the Battle of Boyacá, which granted independence to Colombia.

At the same moment the guard change took place.

Colombia's first wonder, the Cathedral of Salt. The most perceptive readers might remember that we got to know the old salt mine already in the beginning of the year.

After our speedy yet soothing tour at the cathedral everyone was getting hungry. Quite close to Zipaquirá lays the town of Chia, where the most well-known Colombian restaurant Andrés Carne de Res is.

It is a restaurant like nothing I have ever seen before. Andrés Carne de Res is a shock for all your senses - there are thousands, no, MILLIONS of details the owner has collected over the years.

Music and performers entertain guests who kick off the heels after dinner and start dancing. The menu is a book! Walls, ceiling, floor - all are filled with details found, recycled, purchased, donated or otherwise collected.

As much fun as we had with our guests, unfortunately all good things must come to an end. Thank you for visiting guys, it was a blast having you here! You're anytime, anywhere welcome again! ;)