Cultural and Historical Exploration in Cusco with Friends

Cosmic Wonders and Chocolate Dreams

Today was a delightful blend of exploring the cosmos and indulging in some of Cusco's sweetest offerings. It’s amazing how a day can be filled with such contrasting yet equally captivating experiences. From learning about Incan astronomy to crafting my own chocolates, Cusco continues to surprise and enchant me. I am excited to share these experiences with you.



Our day began with breakfast at Mistura Grill Cusco. The restaurant is located at Plaza de Armas, so the views were spectacular. I chose the Andean quinoa soup, while others opted for the pumpkin cream. It was a hearty way to start the day.


Experience authentic Peruvian flavors at Mistura Grill Cusco, where every dish tells a story of tradition and taste.

Fueled up, we headed to the Cusco Planetarium. The planetarium is nestled in the hills near Sacsayhuaman, offering not only a glimpse into the Andean sky but also a stunning view of the surrounding landscape. The location itself is quite special, a humble adobe home amidst an archaeological site. It felt like stepping back in time while simultaneously reaching for the stars. Maximilian would have loved this place, with his interest in astronomy and technology. I made a mental note to bring him and Sofia here someday.


Explore the wonders of the universe at Cusco Planetarium, where stargazing meets education in a stunning Andean setting.

We were greeted by the Planetarium's director, Professor Erwin Salazar, who shared his vast knowledge of the night sky. The planetarium consists of two cultural interpretation rooms with photos, panels and 3D graphics. The presentation about Incan astronomy was very informative and interesting. The dome seated about 25 to 30 people. Although it was cloudy and we couldn't see much, our two guides made up for it. I learned a lot about everything Peruvian as far as nature and astronomy goes. The experience was relaxed and the staff were not only very informative but a lot of fun!

The universe is not outside of you. Look inside yourself; everything that you want, you already are.

After our celestial exploration, it was time for a different kind of adventure: the Cusco Chocolate Workshop. This was an experience I had been particularly looking forward to, given my love for all things chocolate. The workshop was a delightful immersion into the world of Peruvian chocolate, from bean to bar. The host explained each step very well and helped if someone needed it. It was great fun and the chocolates turned out really good, and we got a lot of chocolate to bring home with us. I really recommend you to try this!


Experience the rich flavors of Peru at Cusco Chocolate Workshop, where you can craft your own chocolates and explore the art of chocolate making.

We were guided through the process of making our own chocolate truffles, learning about the history of Peruvian chocolate along the way. The instructor was very nice, sharing stories about the history of Peruvian chocolate and how ganache got its name, and the class was so much fun! We even got to put them in a pretty gold box. It was a wonderful experience for anyone who wanted to indulge themselves in the Peruvian chocolate experience!!!



For lunch, we ventured to Mamà Seledonia, a restaurant known for its authentic Peruvian cuisine and cozy atmosphere. The intimate atmosphere of this restaurant allows customers to relax after a hard working day. The nice staff welcomes visitors all year round. I opted for the trout, while my friends tried the philly steaks and bacon. Selia was an amazing hostess, chef, and teacher. Not only did she take a shopping for our ingredients in the local markets, she taught us how to make Peruvian cuisine and it was delicious! Her warm heart and smiles really make you feel the love she puts into her dishes and guests. Not to miss whilst in Cusco :)


Discover authentic Peruvian flavors at Mama Seledonia, a beloved restaurant in the heart of Cusco's historic district.

As evening approached, we decided to try PER.UK for dinner. This cafe has a separate menu catering to vegans with items such as quinoa burger, vegan causa, stuffed peppers, vegan ceviche, curry, mushroom risotto, vegan chocolate mousse and other desserts. I ordered the vegan ceviche as an appetizer and then the vegan sandwich. The ceviche was amazing and tasted very fresh. The sandwich was good too, I enjoyed my meal. They seem to get it.


Experience authentic Peruvian cuisine with gluten-free options at PER.UK in Cusco's historic center.

To cap off the night, we headed to Chango Club Cusco, a vibrant nightclub known for its eclectic music and lively atmosphere. The club is renowned for its eclectic music selection, featuring everything from traditional Andean tunes to contemporary hits, ensuring that there's something for everyone to enjoy. It's perfect to move your body and party. It's also a dive into another way of partying because here, at least at the beginning of the evening, it's more cumbia and salsa than electro beats. The locals try to infect the travellers with their sense of rhythm.


Experience the vibrant nightlife at Chango Club Cusco, where creative cocktails and energetic music come together in a lively atmosphere.

I am glad we went, we danced the night away. It was a perfect end to a day filled with cosmic wonder and sweet indulgence.



As I reflect on today’s adventures, I am reminded of the importance of embracing new experiences and finding joy in the simple pleasures of life. Cusco has a way of captivating the soul, and I am grateful for the opportunity to explore its hidden gems.



Tomorrow marks our last day in Cusco, and we plan to visit Plaza Mayor de Cusco and Cusco Historical Center. I am looking forward to immersing ourselves in the history and culture of this beautiful city one last time before we head back to Germany. We also plan to visit TEXTILES POMATAYLLA to pick up some souvenirs.



Until then, goodnight from Cusco!