Exploring Cusco.

Thursday, May 14th.  Cusco.

 

 

Another free day in Cusco before our Photo Excursion starts so we are wandering the streets and exploring this beautiful old city.

 

We set out to the area call San Blas. It is up a narrow windy steep cobblestone street. It is so narrow you have to hug against the buildings and hold your breath if a car comes by.

 

 

We arrive at the Plaza de San Blas with the Church as the main centrepiece of the square.

In the centre of all of the old neighbourhoods there was a square or Plaza, usually with a church and a fountain. The fountain provided water for the people and the church was their meeting place.

 

 

 

 

 

 

From there we wandered the old streets, exploring, no particular destination in mind. We were up above the historic centre and had lots of landmarks and a map to guide us.


A local woman in traditional garb descending the stairs toward the downtown centre.

 

  

 

Overlooking the rooftops and cathedrals toward the mountains. Note the El Peru sign on the side of the mountain.  The architecture is Spanish Colonial with a predominance of red adobe and red tile roofs. 

 

 

We end up back at the Plaza de Armas for lunch overlooking the square. Alas, I have been unable to find a Clubhouse sandwich for lunch!



From there we head further into the historic district where we see more ancient architecture. High atop the hill overlooking Cisco is the Iglesia de San Cristobal.



We come across a small square with this impressive building which, we learn, is the Governor's Palace.









We head down another side street and come upon this magnificent structure, I think it is the most impressive yet. It is a combination of the Convento de la Mercad and the Basilica Menor de la Merca. (Convent and Church). The detail and intricate design is breathtaking.

At the end of the street we spot an interesting ancient gate and head toward it.

Just before the gate is the Iglesia de San Francisco and its namesake convent, with all the convents and monasteries here this must have bee a real centre for the Catholic orders back during the founding of the city centuries ago.

   Yet another church, Iglesia de Santa Clara, celebrating 182 years on Francescan presence in Cusco.

 

The Mercado Central de San Pedro (or Market). This where the locals eat and hang out. There is every kind of produce from fruits and vegetables to spices and herbs. You can get fresh chicken for dinner or breads and baking. Wander past the stalls, the colors are vibrant and you get a taste of what the everyday life is here. Pick up a pigs head or feet, maybe roast guinea pig for dinner.
In addition to the food, there is also an array of handicrafts and textiles, woman are busy sewing on their old Singer machines as they man their stalls.  

 

 

 

 

 Beautiful textiles and woven materials in brilliant colors.

 

 This woman looks like she is praying for the day to end, amid her brightly colored fresh fruit.

 

By now we have been walking for hours. I am tired and exhausted and craving a Starbucks Earl Grey Tea (Grande, one tea bag, please) and a blueberry scone.

We head back toward our hotel to a Starbucks we noticed yesterday. The tea is familiar but alas, no blueberry scones. We settle for sharing a chocolate brownie and settle into the big comfy chairs to rest our feet and legs.

 

 

 

 

Climbing the stairs to Starbucks we get a great view of the top on the Monastery with its beautifully tiled dome.

 

 

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It has been a long day and an exhausting one, but a great day. I am in love with this beautiful old city. 

 

Tomorrow we meet up with the rest of Photography group for the next part of our trip. I know we have something special in store for tomorrow...... Come along with me.....