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Discover and Enjoy Cusco, Peru
Ruins, museums, churches, mansions and a wide variety of architecture make Cusco a showcase
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Located at an altitude of over 11,000 feet in the heart of the Andes mountains, is the dynamic and historic city of Cusco (or Cuzco) Peru - see Acclimatization, below, for suggestions how to cope with that height.
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Cusco is the famed capital of the ancient Inca Empire - see www.destination360.com/south-america/peru/cusco.php. It has served as a travelers’ mecca for centuries. Though Cuzco Peru was the center of the Inca Empire for a relatively short time, relics and imprints from the great civilization remain to this day, melding into a modern world that seems unable to change the unique character of the city. When you visit Cusco, you feel as if you’ve been transported to another dimension of sorts. Perhaps that is partly due to the altitude’s effect on your body and mind. If you are flying here and haven’t yet adjusted to the Andes Mountains, prepare to spend the better part of your first day simply lounging around or lying in bed with altitude sickness. While that seems wholly uncharming, there are natural means by which to ease your symptoms.
At one of the outdoor Cusco markets, you can inquire with the indigenous peoples about the coca and muña leaves, both of which when chewed or steeped as tea help to alleviate altitude sickness. These leaves emit a short-lived buzz of sorts that will likely have you giggling a bit. Ah, but Cusco is more than just Inca relics and magic leaves, or is it? Sure, there is a hearty Spanish colonial feel to the city as well, but with modern day descendants of the Inca still pulling llamas through the historic heart of town, it’s hard to think that the Spanish occupation was just a minor glitch in the progression of Inca history. The arrival of Pizarro and other Spanish conquistadors in the 16th century did mark an end to the Inca Empire, but the Spanish may not be the only cause of blame. Smallpox and a fueling Inca civil war of sorts helped to make conquering Cusco easier for the Spanish, and the cathedrals and churches they left behind are among the attractions you are rewarded with when it comes to Cusco Travel. The baroque main cathedral in the central tourist gathering spot of the Plaza de Armas is one of Cusco’s most impressive architectural structures. But perhaps even more fascinating when it comes to Cusco architecture are the surviving walls from the Inca. These walls were, and are, so strong that the Spanish often chose to simply build on top of them instead of destroy them. As if the stone streets and the city’s “living museum” feel were not enough, seeing these hundreds of years old stone walls as you make your way about town is truly a treat. And, to think that the Inca used no mortar to bind the rocks of these walls.
Cusco Peru is a city that is perfect for travelers. It is a jump-off point for excursions on the Inca Trail and to nearby Machu Picchu, as well as other places of interest in southern Peru, and the communal traveler feel here, may be stronger than anywhere else in the world. Cusco is a busy city, thriving in fact, and traffic can be a hassle to negotiate. Perhaps you will meet locals who will key you in to the hottest nightlife spots, or maybe you will get a chance to have your picture taken with an Inca descendant and his or her llama. Just make sure to politely ask before taking pictures of the local and indigenous people, as well as offer a small and modest monetary gift. The friendly nature and disposition of the indigenous population in Cusco Peru will surely
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make a mark on your soul that you will carry with you for life. Cusco travel allows you to meet fascinating Amerindians who weave and handcraft some of the most unique goods you will find anywhere. Shopping in Cusco Peru is another of the joys of Cusco travel, as is taking advantage of the great Cusco dining options.
And now, says WOW.travel, let us look at Cusco's latest luxury hotel, La Casona Inkaterra, which calls its Cusco’s first luxury boutique hotel, reflecting a privileged mélange of culture and tradition.
It's a meticulously-restored 11-suite colonial manor house, built in 1585 in Plaza Las Nazarenas — perhaps the first Spanish construction in Cusco built over an Inca complex. It was later occupied by the conquistadores of Peru, and their descendants. The suites, furnished with antiques, and decorated with original architectural detail, surround a sumptuous courtyard, where the patina of time is tastefully preserved. Contemporary amenities create the ambience of comfort and exclusivity enjoyed by residents in centuries past. The luxury boutique hotel's GM is Michael Owens.
WOW.travel thanks the Inkaterra company for giving helpful information on acclimatization to travelers heading for Inkaterra La Casona, or for Cusco in general:
Acclimatization is the process of the body adjusting to the decreased availability of oxygen at high altitudes. Considering varying altitudes of destinations in Peru, travelers must try to go first to the lower ones before ascending to higher altitude cities. It is a slow process that could take place over a couple of days. Given enough time, your body will adapt to the decrease in oxygen at a specific altitude. Altitude sickness, also known as acute mountain sickness (AMS) or soroche is a pathological condition that is caused by acute exposure to low air pressure usually above 2,400 meters approximately 8,000 feet. Cusco is located at 3300 meters/10,800 feet above sea level. The main cause of altitude sickness is going too high too quickly; symptoms include headache, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, dizziness, sleep disorder among others. Before your travel to a high altitude destination, avoid eating too much, and on the arrival day itself, also eat less to avoid altitude sickness. If you stay at a high altitude, rest. Limit any walking or activity; you can explore the area, but take it easy especially on the first day. Drink plenty of water and avoid taking alcoholic beverages. See also www.princeton.edu/~oa/safety/altitude.html.
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