Cusco? Cusco? You go to Cusco?

…the pack of cab drivers incessantly asked. “Yes, Cusco. Gracias.”

The gateway to exploring Machu Picchu, Cusco, Peru is a vibrant town tucked into the Andes (flying in there are literally mountains just outside the window).

The drive from the airport to the city center is nearly all bumpy, dirt roads. There are tons of stray dogs and most buildings are made of mud bricks. I’m beyond impressed – the mountains are stunning, the air crisp and I can already tell this place is going to be awesome.

While tourism clearly dominates the town’s offerings (think Irish Pubs and trinket shops) there’s something strangely refreshing about it. Sure, its in your face sales tactics (“artists” selling their one of a kind paintings that just happen to be the same prints the “artist” on the next corner is hawking), but overall the pace of things is slow and relaxed.

Wandering the cobbled alleys up and down the hilly city center is exciting – there is something new and unexpected around every corner. Like llamas.

The town Plaza de Armas is much like any other South American Plaza, but again, there seems to be something different and special about it. OR, maybe its just the high altitude and thin air messing with your head.

I quickly became obsessed with the intricate wood carved balconies and doors that surrounded the Plaza.

The altitude is noticable in the form of shortness of breath and a slight headache, making a stop for coca leaves and coca tea a must upon arrival.

Lets be clear, coca leaves are gross. They taste horrible, but boy do they work! After a minute your mouth begins to tingle and you get light-headed just for a short time before your head becomes completely clear – head ache/pressure gone.

The shortness of breath takes a bit longer to overcome and you feel completely stupid for huffing and puffing after walking only a block.

A huge indoor market is just a few blocks from the Plaza de Armas near the Plaza de San Francisco. You can pretty much buy anything here.

Outside this legal market, locals sell goods and fruit on the street (which is technically illegal). Just after we passed by these vendors, a policeman knocked over several buckets of fruit and yelled at everyone to move along.

Another must in Cusco (and any Peruvian and Chilean city really) is downing a few Pisco Sours – ice, Pisco, lemon juice, sugar and egg whites blended to frothy goodness.