After reading about the epic evening in Lima we had, you can imagine how I felt when my alarm went off at 6:45am to catch the taxi to go back to the airport for the flight to Cusco. A seamless taxi ride and very easy check in with Peruvian Airlines, and Kalindra and I were ready to get on the plane and start our next adventure. Somehow we were graced with having seats 1A and 1B and immediately fell asleep on each other for the short hour flight to Cusco.

Upon arriving to Cusco we were bombarded with tour operators trying to get us to book a trip with them. This is the last thing we wanted to deal with since a nap was in store. The exchange rate at the airport was very favorable so we finally exchanged some dollars for Soles. Anyone traveling to Peru should know they are very picky about the bills they will accept to exchange. If the money is somewhat old, has writing on it or even a little rip, they will not allow you to exchange the money.

Haggling with the taxi drivers was very annoying and we finally gave in for 30 Soles (about $12) for the ride to our hostel which means we totally overpaid. An annoying little tour operator got in the front seat of the taxi and tried to sell us trips the entire way. We ignored her and took in the scenery of Cusco. Our taxi was not able to drop us off at the front door since the streets are so narrow and a truck was stopped part way down. Regardless, we got out and walked and finally arrived at Pisko & Soul.

Upon check in we were greeted with coca tea which is meant to help with altitude sickness and a very funny owner named Pedro. He made us giggle and pass the time until our room was ready.

Once in the room it was time to refresh and get going to see what Cusco had to offer. We walked around the streets until we found a cute place called KusiKuy to eat and had some wonderful food with an amazing server named Nestor who spoke great English. We tried a traditional dish called Papa a la Huancaina which is boiled potato with spicy cheese sauce. Two other specialties of the country are alpaca and guinea pig. I haven´t gained the courage to try either yet.

At this point we were exhausted and just needed a nap. Kalindra went and got a massage while I napped. And by nap I mean I slept for 4 hours. It was absolutely heavenly!!!

Kalindra had a friend from her days at Four Seasons Dallas who lives in Cusco so she picked us up and we went out for a drink and dinner and learned some great insider places to go sort of off the grid from the normal travels. More to come on that as we experience them.

We returned to our hostel for free Pisco Sour night and met some other people staying here. Pisco is a liquor made from grapes and Peru is famous for Pisco Sours.

The day finally ended and as soon as our heads hit the pillow, we were knocked out. Until tomorrow…