Cultural and Historical Exploration in Cusco with Friends

Cusco's Embrace: A Journey Begins

After a long journey from Heidelberg, with a connecting flight in Lima, I finally arrived in Cusco with my friends. The altitude definitely made itself known, but the excitement of exploring a new city fueled us. Today was all about immersing ourselves in the heart of Cusco, a city where Inca history intertwines seamlessly with Spanish colonial influence. I couldn't wait to see what adventures awaited us.



The air in Cusco was crisp and cool, a welcome change from the stuffy airplane cabin. March in Cusco is a transitional month, not too rainy, but still with a chance of showers. The forecast predicted temperatures hovering around a pleasant 16°C (63°F), perfect for exploring the city on foot. After checking into the Jose Antonio Cusco Hotel and leaving our luggage, we set out to explore. I made a mental note to buy a Spanish phrasebook; I had forgotten to pack one, and I think it will be useful.


Discover comfort and convenience at Jose Antonio Cusco Hotel, your perfect base for exploring the beauty of Cuzco, Peru, with top-notch amenities.

Our first stop was Qorikancha, also known as Coricancha, the Temple of the Sun. As we walked through the streets, I was immediately struck by the beautiful architecture – a mix of old and new, with cobblestone streets and colorful buildings. Qorikancha was magnificent. The precision of the Inca stonework was incredible, especially considering they built it without mortar. The temple was once covered in gold, a testament to its importance in the Inca Empire. It was easy to imagine how it must have looked in its full glory, a shimmering testament to Inca power and spirituality. The contrast between the Inca stonework and the Spanish colonial architecture of the Santo Domingo Convent, which was built on top of the temple, was striking. It was a powerful reminder of the collision of two worlds.


Discover the sacred beauty of Qorikancha, an iconic Inca temple that merges history and spirituality in the heart of Cusco, Peru.

Visiting Qorikancha is like stepping back in time, feeling the weight of history and the echoes of a civilization that once thrived in this very spot.

Next, we headed to the Cusco Cathedral, a dominant presence in the Plaza de Armas. The cathedral's architecture was impressive, a blend of Gothic-Renaissance and Baroque styles. It took over a century to build, and you could see the influence of different eras in its design. Inside, the artwork was breathtaking, especially the paintings from the Cusco School, which blended European and indigenous styles. I was particularly fascinated by the story of how the cathedral was built on the site of an ancient Inca temple, Kiswarkancha, using stones from Sacsayhuaman. It felt like every stone in Cusco had a story to tell.


Explore the stunning Cusco Cathedral, a breathtaking blend of history and faith in the heart of Peru's cultural capital.

For breakfast, we decided to try El Jardin - Healthy Food And Coffee, a vegetarian restaurant located right on the Plaza de Armas. The restaurant had a cozy and inviting atmosphere, and the menu was full of healthy and delicious options. I opted for the porridge, which was a huge portion and kept me full until lunchtime. My friends tried the coffee and smoothies, and they all raved about how good they were. I was happy to find a place that catered to my interest in healthy and organic food. It was a perfect way to start our culinary journey in Cusco.


Discover healthy vegetarian cuisine at El Jardin in Cusco's vibrant Plaza de Armas - where flavor meets wellness.

Lunch was at Nuna Raymi, a restaurant known for its traditional Peruvian cuisine. The restaurant was committed to using local ingredients and supporting local producers, which aligned perfectly with my values of sustainable living. I decided to try the cuy, a local delicacy (roasted guinea pig), while my friends ordered other traditional dishes. The food was beautifully balanced and delectable, served up by staff who were full of information about the food of the region. I was also impressed by the restaurant's dedication to preserving Peruvian flavors and traditions.


Experience authentic Peruvian cuisine at Nuna Raymi in Cusco—where tradition meets flavor in every dish.

As the day wore on, we found ourselves drawn to the vibrant energy of the Plaza de Armas. Street vendors were selling colorful textiles and handicrafts, and the sounds of music filled the air. It was fun to fend off the hordes of locals trying to sell us necklaces, watercolours and massages. I picked up a few souvenirs for Sofia, knowing she would love the bright colors and intricate designs. I bartered for a couple of hand-woven bracelets, thinking they would remind her of our travels when I return to Heidelberg.


For dinner, we chose Chicha por Gaston Acurio, a restaurant recommended for its modern take on Peruvian classics. The ambiance was classy, and the menu was exciting. I tried the Alpaca carpaccio, which was tender and flavorful. My friends enjoyed the traditional Peruvian dishes, although one of them found the crackling on the pork to be too hard to chew. Overall, the experience was excellent, and the food was a great way to experience the magic of the famed Gaston Acurio brand.


Experience authentic Peruvian flavors at Chicha por Gaston Acurio in Cusco's vibrant Plaza Regocijo.

To cap off our first day, we decided to visit Paddy's Irish Pub, which claims to be the highest Irish pub in the world. The pub was cozy and buzzing with a great atmosphere. We enjoyed a few local beers and listened to live music. It was a perfect place to relax after a long day of exploring. It was interesting to see how an Irish pub could find a home in the heart of Cusco, attracting visitors from all over the world.


Experience the warmth of Irish hospitality at Paddy's Irish Pub in the heart of Cusco, where great food and drinks meet vibrant local culture.

As I sit here writing this blog post, I can't help but feel grateful for the opportunity to experience Cusco. It's a city that is full of history, culture, and life. I'm excited to see what tomorrow brings. We plan to visit Saqsaywaman and the Twelve Angled Stone, and maybe do some shopping at the Handicraft Center Cusco. I am also excited to try the Green Point Vegan Restaurant for breakfast. I am sure it will be another day filled with adventure and discovery.



I am also aware that I forgot to pack my portable phone charger. I will need to buy one tomorrow, as I don’t want my phone to run out of battery while I am exploring. Maximilian would have reminded me, but I wanted to prove that I can manage packing on my own. I should also buy a Spanish phrasebook.



Cusco has already captured my heart, and I know that the rest of our trip will be just as amazing. I am so glad that I decided to come here with my friends. It's always more fun to explore new places with people you care about.