Cusco is still the regional capital and at the same time a big traveler base for all kind of activities, from hiking and rafting to jungle adventure trips. Our first big city after Lima and we enjoyed our first days in relax mode, strolling through the alleys of the city center and exploring the rich cuisine.

We didn’t have any plans, but when we passed by one of the beautiful inner courtyards and saw a sign for a cooking class that was too tempting. And 3 hours later we found ourselves sipping our self-prepared Pisco Sour , the national drink of Peru
After such nice warm-up we continued with more national dishes: Causa – which in its preparation reminds one of Sushi, but using mashed potato instead of rice and for filling onions, pepper, lime and tuna or meat – and Lomo saltado – stir fried beef, which seems to be a lot inspired from Asia

We continued in our culinary theme with a long visit to the local market, admiring the wide selection of potatoes (there are more than 3000 different types in Peru!), dried potatoes (easy for storage!), the popular local cheese (which to me all taste the same…) and range of breads and sweets.
The market is a popular lunch place and some stalls are seeing large crowds, sitting and standing in several rows. One whole section is dedicated only to fresh juices, looking so delicious we ignored all stomach-concerns.
Another hugely popular drink is Chicha, which is made from purple corn and some fruits and comes in a red, non-alcoholic and a fermented, alcoholic variation. Its sold everywhere in large containers or big clay jugs. Very refreshing during the hot and sunny afternoon

Cusco has another exquisite Plaza de Armas, this time with not one but two massive churches

There are many more beautiful squares, cute cobbled streets and nice architectures to explore

Another example of Inca’s masonry skills – the famous 12-sided stone:

With an altitude of 3.300m and a very hilly city-layout we had enough exercise from our daily city explorations and only on our last day ventured further out to visit the Inca citadel of Cusco, as usual situated on the hills overlooking the valley. To Yang Ke’s pleasure the ruins are surrounded by vast grass lawns, very popular with local Alpacas.