Cusco (pre Inca Trail)
Cusco is one off South America's biggest tourist destinations, chiefly because it's a stopping off point before beginning the famous Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. We arrived early in the morning following a night bus from Arequipa.
We had two nights in Cusco to chill out and relax before we headed off for the Inca Trail. It was also an opportunity to stock up on supplies and any additional clothing (everything was imitation North Face!). Cusco was also an opportunity for some adventure activities. Myself and one of the other lads opted for quad biking. It was so unlike quad biking in Europe; no safety briefing, no overalls, a loosely fitting helmet and we drove on the public highway. But because the rules were so relaxed it was so much fun. We had a 2.5 hour tour riding around the very rough terrain of the agricultural land in the hills above Cusco. We even had 15 minutes of free time around a large pond where we could rag the hell out of the bikes as much as we dared!
Whilst in Cusco Nilgun took the opportunity to have her hair done. I also did later that day. However, Nilgun's cost 110 Soles (roughly £30) but mine cost 10 soles (£2.50). Needless to say her's looked much better!
I was nearing the end of my course of medication for the parasites and was feeling better and eating once again, although not at full human dustbin levels. After a lovely evening meal the whole group hit a local bar. It was very entertaining watching most of the group get totally trashed, whilst I was sipping diet Cokes. Barmen were pouring shots directly down our companions throats, T-shirts were ripped off, and most of the group ended up dancing on top of the bar. An unforgettable night!
We spent a single night in the small town of Ollayantambo, a few kilometres from the main starting point of the Inca Trail. The town retains it's Inca layout and infrastructure. The cobbled streets are narrow and retain the water channels that distribute the water from the nearby river. The first storey of the buildings are constructed from Inca crafted stones; it is the only town in Peru that is permitted to build on top of the Inca stones as the town has always been inhabited since the Inca era.
Our apprehension for the Inca Trail was at it's highest by now. Both of us kept thinking: "Are we fit enough? Are we going to struggle?".
