Cusco

A random conversation leads to an awesome night

I have found that backpacking solo has its advantages and disadvantages.

Plus: I do what I want, when I want. I pass the time as I see fit, and don’t feel guilty about spending a day reading in a park, stuffing myself with Peruvian pastries, or dancing until 4 am. My itinerary is completely open, and I can change my direction on a whim.

I must admit that not taking anyone else’s needs, thoughts or feelings into consideration is pretty awesome.

But perhaps the biggest benefit of solo travel is that you  meet so many people from all over the world. When you travel with a companion, you tend to nest a little with that person. Maybe you get a single room instead of sleeping in the dorm, or go out to dinner only with each other.

Not so with solo travel. Because you want some kind of socialization, you really put yourself out there. Personally, I try to talk to everyone. This has been easy, as people tend to notice solo travelers and will strike up random conversations with you.

Random street parade on a beautiful Sunday afternoon

I have met some awesome people in Cusco this way. At my first hostel I met Fernando and his wife Dörthe, and we shared great conversation and many games of pool. I also met Andrea and Luis Carlos, a young couple from Columbia who are both in med school. They saw me studying Spanish in our dorm and invited me out to walk around the city and put my studying to practice. Then they took me out to lunch and refused to let me pay for my food!

Point being, I am starting to really like this solo travel business.

I met up with some more couch surfers during my stay in Cusco. Our ad hoc group of six climbed out of the valley of Cusco to the mountains that surround the city on a warm afternoon. We meandered around Inca ruins, saw the beautiful statue of Christ the Redeemer, and explored ancient caves. A local musician at the top of the mountain even played some songs for us on his guitar.

Cusco, like Lima, is an awe-inspring city. The colonial architecture, immense churches and cobblestone streets make you feel like you have stepped back in time. And the street markets- good lord, the street markets! Merchants sling colorful llama hats, gloves, and sweaters to tourists. Locals come to grocery shop and chow down on fried trout, fresh juice, and the always popular cuy (guinea pig). Think of the street market as the Peruvian version of the US food truck, but with some serious sanitation issues.

Cusco in the winter is very similar to the Colorado mountains in the summer: dry, sunny and warm during the day, but cold at night (the temperature can dip down to the high 30s). The cold has given me a runny nose, and I looking forward to entering the warm and humid Peruvian jungle.

Manchu Picchu, here I come...

Plaza de Armas

The absolutely gorgeous city of Cusco, as seen from the surrounding mountains

 Street food

Statue of Christ the Redeemer overlooking the city

This part of the market was simply labeled ´´Innards´´

Enjoying the quintessental Peruvian meal- roasted chicken, french fries, salad, and coke. YUM.

My first llama sighting. I was overjoyed.