CUSCO, PERU
Cusco, located in Southeastern Peru is situated near the Urumba Valley in the Peruvian Andes. It’s a charming city to experience: an intriguing history, miraculous cuisine, and a country full of charm.
Be aware, It doesn’t matter how fit you may be — The altitude will get to you. The air is thin. Very thin. With an elevation of 11,000 feet, Higher than the capital Lima, enough to make an elephant peel over. That being said. You may experience a harsh evening, at least I did. Sipping on Coca leaf tea to prevent altitude sickness is a must — if not a necessity.
After an evening of acclimatizing while sipping tea. I decided to have a light dinner at a restaurant recommended by the hotel I was staying at. My waiter recommended me to order a bowl of Aguadito de Pollo. Which merely is chicken soup. After all, He was right — and I lived to fight another day.
As I awaken the next morning, I decided to head to breakfast to plan out my day, since my flight was delayed leaving Guayaquil due to the dense fog. I arrived late into Cusco which unfortunately led me to lose a day. While finishing my coffee out on the hotel terrace overviewing downtown Cusco. I started to map out in my head where I wanted to venture that day. Finally deciding to wander outward towards the outskirts.
Knowing where I was going — I decided to leave my wallet and passport behind before departing the hotel. Only bringing my camera and me. I knew where I was going. If anything were to happen to me. I’d merely pop out my SD card out of my camera and stick it in my pocket, and then hand my camera over to the mugger. Doubtful — yet it’s best to anticipate instead of panicking later.
As I started to travel out on foot, wandering to the outskirts, I usually use this time to scout the surroundings and enjoy the scenery. It’s essential for a photographer to notice where the sun hits off the buildings and positions during different times of the day. If I do see something appealing to the eye, I’ll fire off a few frames.
I continue beyond its cities beaten path. You see, for me its the best feeling, you leave the tourist behind —no pun intended. In this manner, you experience the essence of wherever you’re at. For those who know me, I’m 6'3" gringo. I’m an American of Cuban American descent. Although I speak Spanish fluently. In a city like this, you’re going to stand out. Granting the average height of a Peruvian male is 5 feet 4.5 inches. So with no guide — I strive to blend in as best as possible.
As I reached the peak. The viewpoint was impeccable, so I start taking photographs of aerials and landscape shots of the City of Cusco. Shortly after, a white suburban appears — armed with Peru’s military — notifying me that I’m in a dangerous area and should consider heading back. One who has lived and explored through these countries, one must know where their boundaries stand. I enjoy people and respect cultures, so I haven’t felt jeopardized.
This photograph was taken while heading back after being warned. I spotted this generous elderly woman that was selling candy on the side of the road. She had them covered, and with gratitude and kindness, she unveiled them ever so slightly and allowed me to take a few shots. She was kind, and I did ultimately buy some of those delightful candies to eat along the route back.
All in all, Cusco is an exceptional city for those who treasure to enjoy a unique experience in Latin America. I was unable to see Machu Picchu this excursion yet I look forward to seeing one of the greatest wonders of the world. Built by the Incans in the 15th century. Later conquered by Francisco Pizarro a Spanish Conquistador who led the expedition and ultimately captured and killed Incan Emperor Atahualpa. That’s for another adventure, another post.
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