Starstruck in Cusco!

After a much needed 9 hours sleep and catch up on the Wi-Fi, headed out to the Salkantay office to book rainbow mountain trip for tomorrow with Jessica and Parker (our new American buds!)

We then grabbed a coffee and cake in a chocolate makers together overlooking a small square Plaza Recogocijo - where we later met the group for a trip to the planetarium for a presentation and stargazing.

Headed for our culture fix at Qorikancha, one of the most significant Inca temples, which was unfortunately stripped of its gold/silver decor and reconfigured into a church during Spanish colonisation; but was uncovered during rebuilding/excavations following an earthquake in the 1950’s.

Stumbled upon Peru’s first and only cat cafe and stopped for a coffee and a pet, much to Emma’s delight. A chance encounter with a pair of baby llamas in the square then a lovely hot stone massage - an hour for £20 - pretty darn good value!

A quick coffee and empanada stop, then an amazing, interesting and thought provoking evening at Cusco’s planetarium, where not only did we learn about the 88 constellations, the importance of astrology to the Inkas, and previous cultures but ALSO got to stargaze through the professional telescopes. Highlights included spotting the moon’s craters, clusters near the southern cross, but most awe inspiring - Saturn and its rings!

Taxi back to the hotel, ready for an early start for Rainbow mountain tomorrow!Read more