867. Cuzco/Cusco/Q'osco
Hike or drive to this great lookout spot (c.12,000' elevation) for contemplating Peruvian history from the ruins of Sacsaywaman to the Plaza de Armas far below
Placed: 2 Sep 2019

No matter how you spell it, this historic city is a marvel to see situated as it is high up in the mountains of Peru. We were staying at the Jose Antonio Hotel near the lower airport end of town, and decided to walk from there all the way up to the Cristo Blanco statue on the hilltop and back - maybe four miles or so round trip - passing the Temple of the Sun and the Plaza de Armas, going up the "550 steps", etc, but those not accustomed to the altitude can undoubtedly find a tour bus or taxi to catch, if they prefer.

However, you get up there, stop to catch your breath at the large busy parking lot just past the huge white statue of Christ with arms outstretched. Plenty of vendors here, and a little boy patiently guarding his family possessions under the large bush near the trash can hutch, but just a bit further on at the far end of the parking lot is a small sign on a post on the right that says "Sacsaywaman". Counting the fence post on the left opposite this sign as #1, continue down this wide gravel pathway to the 11th fencepost, still within sight of Cristo Blanco, but away from the crowds and with a gorgeous view of the immense stonework of Sacsaywaman. There was a large bush just to the right of that fencepost on the left side of the path when we visited, so there sandwiched between other small stones on the side of the post closest to the bush and trail is where we left our slender little 1" dark gray trapezoidal "travelin' light" stone with "Cuzco" on back!

Copyright (c) Wanda and Pete. All Rights Reserved.

BEFORE YOU SET OUT, PLEASE READ THE WAIVER OF RESPONSIBILITY AND DISCLAIMER.