Cuzco and the Secret Valley – the heart of the Inca Empire

 Cuzco and the Secret Valley – the heart of the Inca Empire

Arriving in Cuzco was absolutely breathtaking – literally! Just walking up three steps and you are huffing and puffing. Altitude sickness is part of the experience- constant headaches, blood noses and feeling like you have had no exercise for the last ten years. Absolutely worth it !!

The city of Cuzco is a combination of magical Inca ruins and magnificent Colonial architecture from the Spanish Conquistadores.  The women have brilliant coloured clothes – skirts on top of more skirts is the fashion with the ubiquitous bowler hats perched precariously on top.

Thommo managed to find the true Locals Bar – as he did in Rio – in fact I think it is one of his life’s quests! Quicha is the drink of choice, it’s a big pot of corn that is crushed and left to ferment overnight. Each night the native Indians gather in the small Picanteria to chat, sing and drink copious amounts of this thick, yellowy, room temperature in huge jugs. 

After we walked in there was a short silence followed by a friendly tour of the establishment looking for a spare seat. A quick glance of the grey water in the washing up tub indicated that our spoilt constitutions were going to be unable to cope with the local bugs so we opted for a large warm bottle of local beer. 

Kanga Blue and the digital camera broke the ice and then I had a few Spanish conversations interspersed with international sign language. A wonderful hour full of laughter, local hospitality and really appreciating the life of the Incan Descendants!