garyandpearl

We have safely arrived in Cuzco. The elevation here is 11,200 feet, and population is 435,114. It appears to be a city perched on the top of a mountain range, and our hearts are madly pumping to get enough oxygen to our brains at this altitude.

Vidal, our rental home owner, picked us up in a smaller van which was needed to navigate the very narrow cobbled streets.

We had to climb 145 steps to our home for the next 4 nights, but thankfully two young Peruvian men carried most of our luggage up for us.

The view by our house:

After a bit of an orientation to our home, we prepared to head out for supper. After the sun sets, it is very chilly here! Out came the long johns and down jackets. Our house has no central heating, so it could be a cool night! We happened upon a restaurant called Sumaq Rest, a family owned restaurant that seats 20. We were serenaded by a Peruvian one man band as we waited for our made to order food. The alpaca was a hit, as well as wood fired oven calzone, garlic bread, and garlic aioli.

This is the alpaca!

We are heading to sleep as we have had a long day of traveling, but will we fall asleep to the sounds of the train and many dogs barking?? Let’s see what tomorrow brings!