Peru, Part II

From Lima, we flew to Cusco. At a height of more than 10,000 feet, we felt the effects immediately. None of us succumbed to altitude sickness, but the shortness of breath was pronounced. Not enough that we needed the oxygen cylinders (available at our hotel), but enough that we had to take it easy for a bit. Hilly place, this Cusco.


After catching our breath, we went for some lunch - pizza, and some Peruvian wine. Not great, but not awful.


A view of Cusco.


Tempting fate. Huge peals of thunder followed immediately.


A downside of semi-guided tours? Dinner performances. Ok, ok, the costumes were interesting, the songs were interesting, but the food was definitely only so so. R. is not pleased with my sampling of the llama and the cuy - guinea pig. But the troupe of Japanese visitors was entertaining.


Travelling between Ollantaytambo and Chinchero, we stopped in the market town of Písac and saw this curious sign in the market. Didn't try, not sure I want to.


And onto Macchu Picchu.


The swollen waters of Aguas Calientes.


Class IV and V rapids on the Urubamba River, south of Cusco.


A fine dinner at Hotel Monasterio back in Cusco.


Wine cellar at 10,000 feet. Does it age differently at altitude? Slower oxidation rates?