We started our trip in Cusco, the city that was once capital of the Inca Empire. The city is located in the the Peruvian Andes and sits at 10,000 feet above sea level.

We arrived in the early afternoon, and decided to head straight to the infamous San Pedro Market to find something to eat.

food court at the san pedro market

chicken & rice for about two bucks

san pedro market

buying some local chocolate with coca leaves

Later that afternoon, we spend some time in Plaza de Armas, the central square.

plaza de armas

Iglesia De La Compañia De Jesús

That evening, we enjoyed a couples massage. It was the perfect way to relax after a stressful week and nearly 24 hours of traveling to get to Cusco.

The night ended with some street food. I can already tell we will not be going hungry on this trip.

cassava & beef skewers

The next morning, we walked up to Sacsayhuamán (essentially pronounced “sexy woman” in English). These Inca ruins are only about a 30 minute hike from Plaza de Armas…although it’s all up hill to get there. You are rewarded with great views at the top.

views of cusco (plaza de armas in lower right corner)

at Sacsayhuamán

soaking in the view

Unfortunately, Sacsayhuamán suffered extensive destruction when the Spaniards conquered the area, as a result, it’s primary function is still debated. Apparently, the Spaniards hauled off the manageable sized stones and used them to build homes and structures in the city below.

Nonetheless, what remains is still impressive. Some of the base stones are up to 11 feet tall! And, like all Inca constructions, the stones fit together perfectly without aid of mortar.

we guessed the stone behind me was about 10 feet tall!

Intipunku

zig zagged wall exterior

alpacas + ruins = picture perfect peru

hands down, the cutest thing I saw all day

quintessential peru

Before heading back down to town, we hiked up to Cristó Blanco (the large white statue of Jesus that overlooks the city).

if you look closely, you can see the white statue in the upper left hand corner

views from cristo blanco

Cusco was a great place to start our time in Peru. Next, we’ll head to some of the more remote areas of the Sacred Valley.