Cusco Day 1

Today was a rest day to acclimate and check out the city.  We could have gone on a tour to the Sacred Valley, but chose to walk the streets and sight see.  It was also a good time to get a little shopping done.   

The town is preparing for the Inti Raymi festival which is the Inca winter solstice celebration.  It is so huge that an extra 600,000 people will be in the town to celebrate.  We will be on the Machu Picchu trek during the actual day of the celebration, but there is tons of stuff going on in town already.  The main square had a parade going on non stop with people wearing ceremonial attire.  There are dancers, performers, and musicians everywhere.  I can only imagine what the last day of the festival will be like.

Thomas and Charles at breakfast in our hostel.

Our four bed room.  Double bunk beds!

Here we are at SAS travel in Cusco checking in for our trek.  We were going over gear and preparations for the 4 day trek.  It's going to be so much fun. 

Here we are in the Plaza.

Above is the controversial Inca statue in the Plaza de Armas.  The push for Inca identity in a Spanish colonial square has caused

 an uproar.  Mayor Flores changed the statue with great consequences. 

Lunch time sandwiches.

Oh, the funny shopping. 

Our travel operator.

Some crazy stuff in the square.

Then, there was dinner, our time to try the Cuy.

Indeed!

More awesome female cops.  I need to ask if they are still called Blackhawks in Cusco like they were in Arequipa.  This one had a classy revolver on her hip.  

It's always a good idea to stock up on drinking water before going to bed.  This little shop was a little different.  Notice the cat. 

Tomorrow will be another day to check out Cusco.  We have a mandatory briefing at the travel outfit.  We have to prepare our bags for our porters and organize our packs.  More fun is about to begin.