Saturday, July 12th, 2003 – Day 144
I arrived in Cuszo at 6.20am. Back in familiar terrority (the Cusco bus station). You can walk out to the street to get a taxi for 2 Soles or get one from the ranks from 3-4. I got a taxi to the place where I stayed last time but it was full. Damn. Ah well nicer place next store for same price (20 Soles a night) with THREE beds in room with window (Hostal Zamaloa – Garcilaso 210-A). I forgot how high we are here. It was hard to walk the streets without loosing breath (especially after having been at sea level for a few weeks).
I have been in Cusco before. See stories on my previous visit by checking out the following links:
Cuzco – Peru (Main sites),
Cuzco – Peru (Museums and Churches) ,
Cuzco – Peru (Pisac Trek),
Cuzco – Peru (Sacsayhuam?n, Tambomachay) ,
Cuzco – Peru (Photos),
Day 1 of the Inca Trail ,
Day 2 of the Inca Trail,
Day 3 of the Inca Trail (Part A), Day 3 of the Inca Trail (Part B),
Day 4 of the Inca Trail,
Cuzco – Peru (Riots) ,
Cuzco – Peru (Riots).
I went to the Cusco market which is accross the street from the hostel. it is not a tourist affair which has good fruit and veg. Some nice juice drinks as well.
)
Click on the picture to see it in its original size
Cusco – Peru – Market (12-07-2003)
)
Click on the picture to see it in its original size
Cusco – Peru – Market (12-07-2003)
After lunch I went to the “Iglesia de La Merced” which has a 3 soles entrance. Before you ask, I have not been here on my previous visit.
“Erected in 1536 and rebuilt after the great earthquake in the 17th century, La Merced ranks just below the cathedral and the La Compa??a church in importance. It has a beautiful facade and lovely cloisters with a mural depicting the life of the Merced Order’s founder. The sacristy contains a small museum of religious art, including a fantastic solid-gold monstrance swathed in precious stones. In the vaults of the church are the remains of two famous conquistadors, Diego de Almagro and Gonzalo Pizarro.”
)
Click on the picture to see it in its original size
Cusco – Peru – Iglesia de La Merced(12-07-2003)
)
Click on the picture to see it in its original size
Cusco – Peru – Iglesia de La Merced(12-07-2003)
)
Click on the picture to see it in its original size
Cusco – Peru – Iglesia de La Merced(12-07-2003)
It was a nice visit and after I went to a viewing point down Avenue Sol – You go to the top of the “Monumento Pachacutec” (1 Sole). I also bought a ticket to La Paz for the 17th (55 Soles). I then tried to find the bus terminal for Paucartambo. No luck. Had an early night after the night bus. I was planning some shopping tomorrow. Also visited my favourite “chicken” restaurant.