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...

The Gold Museum

So that rainy Saturday we drove to the centre, where we spent the afternoon looking at the exhibitions in the 4-storey Museo del Oro, or in English, the Gold Museum. It displays the biggest gold work collection in the world, and according to locals, is one of the must-see sights of the city.

The permanent exhibition allows one to discover the history of how gold and other metals were used by the pre-Hispanic societies who lived in what is now known as Colombia, before contact was made with Europe.

Five different categories tell about the mining and manufacturing techniques employed by the ancient metallurgists; how and in what contexts people used metals as part of their political and religious organisation; and explore the mythical subjects, shamanism, and the symbology of metals.

The Muisca Raft or Balsa Muisca in Spanish.

The pre-Columbian gold votive figure (above), drafted by the Muisca culture, is considered a significant piece of art because it is estimated that the figure was drawn between 600 and 1600 by lost-wax casting in gold with a small amount of copper, but even more importantly, because the figure refers to the ceremony of the legend of El Dorado. The legend took place near modern-day Bogotá, in Lake Guatavita.

Sala de muertos (Hall of Dead)

All the stories are so fascinating but four hours was not enough to go through the exhibition in-depth. You have to save some for the next time, as well, right? ;)

Inspiring surroundings, a couple of couples plus two photography fanatics equals a lot of pictures and posing!

When can we go again??

When It Rains in Bogotá...

... it really rains.

On Saturday, February 9th, it started as harmless, regular rain - just like on many other days during that week. Already after a half an hour the streets were flooding and the little river of our park was overflowing.

Even the policeman was taking a picture of this phenomenon!

I would not have wanted to be a pedestrian or a motocyclist that day! Some of the SUV drivers loved it, though! ;)

The strange thing was that the water disappeared as suddenly as it came. Later that night when we were leaving the centre it was just dribbling.

How lucky were we that we had already made indoor plans with some friends! We got to know one of the most important sights in Colombia, but I will tell you about that next time...