Family Adventure in the Heart of Cusco

Whispers of the Past, Visions of Art

Today was a day of diving deep into the heart of Cusco, a city that hums with the energy of its vibrant past. It's amazing how history and art can intertwine, creating an experience that resonates on so many levels. From the sacred grounds of an ancient temple to the refined halls of a museum, every corner of Cusco seems to hold a story waiting to be discovered.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at Rucula Peruvian Restaurant. The organic ingredients, sourced directly from their own farm, made every bite burst with flavor. It's incredible to taste the freshness and care that goes into their cooking. Thandi, of course, loved the veggie burger. David and I opted for traditional Peruvian breakfast options - a great way to start the day! After breakfast, we made our way to Qorikancha, the Temple of the Sun. As we approached, the sheer magnitude of the structure was breathtaking.


Explore Qorikancha in Cusco, a stunning museum revealing the rich history of the Incas and the fusion of Inca and colonial architecture.
Originally named Intikancha, meaning House of the Sun, it was built around 1200 AD. It was dedicated to Inti, the sun god, and was once the most important temple in the Inca Empire. I could only imagine the opulence that once adorned these walls. The Spanish chroniclers described the temple as being covered in sheets of gold, with life-sized gold and silver replicas of corn and other offerings ceremonially planted in agricultural rituals. They even spoke of solid-gold treasures like altars, llamas, and babies.

Walking through the temple, I was struck by the incredible stonework. The Incas were master builders, using ashlar masonry to construct the temple. Each stone was hand-cut and shaped to fit perfectly with its neighbors, creating walls that have withstood centuries of earthquakes. It’s a testament to their ingenuity and skill. David, with his software developer's mind, was fascinated by the precision and engineering of the Inca stonework, remarking on how they achieved such accuracy without modern tools.

The stones themselves seemed to whisper stories of a civilization that revered the sun and honored their gods with unparalleled artistry.

The fusion of Inca and colonial architecture at Qorikancha is remarkable. After the Spanish conquest, the temple was looted and largely destroyed, and the Santo Domingo Church and monastery were built on its foundations. Today, you can see the remains of the Inca temple alongside the colonial church, a powerful symbol of the clash and blending of two cultures. As we wandered through the complex, Thandi was particularly fascinated by the stories of the Inca priests and the rituals they performed here. She kept asking questions about the gold and the sun god, her eyes wide with wonder.

Leaving Qorikancha, we headed to DEVA - Cocina Andina for lunch. I had read amazing reviews of DEVA - Cocina Andina and I was keen to taste their modern takes on traditional Andean cuisine. The restaurant itself was beautiful, with a warm and inviting atmosphere, and the food was absolutely divine. We tried several dishes, each one showcasing the unique flavors and ingredients of the Andes. David was particularly impressed with the quinoa dishes, while Thandi enjoyed the alpaca skewers. I made a mental note to try and recreate some of these dishes back home in Bristol, hoping to bring a little bit of Peru back with us.


Discover authentic Peruvian flavors at DEVA - Cocina Andina in Cusco, where tradition meets culinary innovation.
After lunch, we immersed ourselves in the artistry of the Museo de Arte Precolombino. Housed in a beautifully restored colonial mansion, the museum showcases a stunning collection of pre-Columbian art from all over Peru. The exhibits are thoughtfully curated, taking us on a journey through 3,000 years of Peruvian history. As we wandered through the eleven rooms, we saw pottery, textiles, metalwork, and jewelry, each piece a testament to the skill and creativity of the ancient Peruvians.


Discover the rich heritage of pre-Columbian art at the Museo de Arte Precolombino, a cultural gem in the heart of Cusco.
I was particularly drawn to the textiles. The intricate patterns and vibrant colors were mesmerizing, and I couldn't help but wonder about the hands that had woven these beautiful creations. Thandi was fascinated by the gold artifacts, especially the masks and ornaments. She imagined the people who had worn them and the ceremonies they had participated in.

One of the highlights of the museum was learning about the different cultures that had flourished in Peru before the Incas. From the Chavín to the Moche to the Nazca, each culture had its own unique artistic style and traditions. It was fascinating to see how these cultures influenced each other and how they paved the way for the rise of the Inca Empire. I found myself captivated by the stories behind each artifact, imagining the lives of the people who had created them.

As the afternoon wore on, we decided to do some shopping at ARTESANIAS LLANCAQMAKI. I was looking for some authentic Peruvian crafts to take back home as souvenirs. The store was a treasure trove of handmade textiles, ceramics, and jewelry. I was particularly impressed by the quality of the craftsmanship and the attention to detail. We ended up buying a beautiful alpaca wool blanket and some hand-painted ceramic ornaments. I am always keen to support local artisans and buying directly from them felt good. Thandi picked out a small, colorful llama toy as a reminder of our trip.


Explore a treasure trove of authentic Peruvian crafts at Artesanias Llancaqmaki in Cusco, a must-visit souvenir store for every traveler.
For our final meal of the day, we dined at Mamá Jama Restaurant. The restaurant had a warm and inviting atmosphere, and the menu featured a wide variety of traditional Peruvian dishes. We started with ceviche, which was incredibly fresh and flavorful. For our main courses, David ordered lomo saltado, while I opted for a hearty stew. Thandi chose the grilled chicken, which she devoured with gusto. The food was delicious, and the service was excellent. It was the perfect way to end a day of exploring Cusco.


Discover authentic Peruvian flavors at Mamá Jama Restaurant in Cusco - where tradition meets taste in every dish.
Before heading back to Hotel Polo Corporativo, we took a stroll through the Plaza de Armas. The square was bustling with activity, and the atmosphere was electric. Street performers entertained the crowds, and vendors sold their wares. The city was alive with music and laughter. It was a perfect ending to a day filled with history, art, and culture. I am feeling grateful for the opportunity to experience the magic of Cusco with my family.


Experience the heart of Cuzco with comfort and convenience at Hotel Polo Corporativo, just 1 km from the city center, perfect for travelers seeking adventure.
Tomorrow, we are planning to visit the Valley of the Goblins and the Cochahuasi Animal Sanctuary. I am excited to see more of the beautiful countryside surrounding Cusco and to learn more about the local wildlife. I am sure it will be another day filled with adventure and discovery. I am especially looking forward to Ukukus Music Club - Bar tomorrow night!

As I sit here writing this, I am struck by the incredible richness and diversity of Peruvian culture. Cusco is a city that captivates the senses and nourishes the soul. It is a place where the past and the present come together in a harmonious blend, creating an experience that is both unique and unforgettable. I am so grateful to be here, to share this experience with my family, and to share it with all of you. Zikomo kwambiri from Cusco!