Exploring the Heart of the Inca Empire: A Journey to Cusco

A Final Day in Cusco

As our Peruvian adventure draws to a close, Olivia and I decided to spend our last day soaking in the historical and cultural essence of Cusco. It's hard to believe our 15 days here are already up; it feels like just yesterday we were landing in this vibrant city, eager to explore the heart of the Inca empire. Today, we aimed to revisit some of our favorite spots and discover a few hidden gems we might have missed along the way.

We began our day with a delightful breakfast at Mr Soup. It's become a bit of a tradition for us to start our mornings with a hearty, warming soup, and Mr Soup never disappoints. The cozy atmosphere and the friendly staff always make us feel right at home. I opted for the classic mushroom soup, while Olivia chose the chicken soup. Both were incredibly flavorful and the perfect way to kickstart our day.

Travel isn't always pretty. It isn't always comfortable. Sometimes it hurts, it even breaks your heart. But that's okay. The journey changes you; it should change you. It leaves marks upon your memory, upon your consciousness, upon your heart, and upon your body. You take something with you. Hopefully, you leave something good behind.

After breakfast, we headed straight to the Cusco Historical Center. Even after spending two weeks here, the charm of this place hasn't faded. The mix of Inca and colonial architecture is simply stunning, and the energy of the city is infectious. We strolled through the Plaza de Armas, admiring the Cusco Cathedral and the surrounding buildings. The square was bustling with locals and tourists alike, all enjoying the beautiful morning.


Explore the rich history and vibrant culture of Cusco's Historical Center, where ancient Incan and colonial traditions come alive in every corner.

Next on our list was the Museo Casa Concha, also known as the Machu Picchu Museum. I had read about it before the trip and was keen to see the artifacts from Machu Picchu housed there. Located in a beautifully restored colonial house, the museum provided a fascinating insight into the history and culture of the Inca civilization. Olivia, with her graphic designer's eye, was particularly impressed by the intricate stonework and the overall architecture of the building. We spent a couple of hours wandering through the exhibits, learning about the daily lives of the people who once lived in Machu Picchu. It was incredible to see the artifacts up close and imagine how they were used centuries ago.


Explore the rich heritage of the Incas at Museo Casa Concha in Cusco, where history comes alive through captivating exhibits and artifacts.

For lunch, we decided to try A Mi Manera, a restaurant recommended by several locals. It's a quaint little place located just a block from the main plaza. The atmosphere was cozy and inviting, and the menu featured a variety of traditional Peruvian dishes. I ordered the lomo saltado, while Olivia opted for the ceviche. Both dishes were delicious, and the presentation was impeccable. The service was also excellent; our waiter was attentive and friendly, making sure we had everything we needed.


Discover authentic Peruvian flavors at A Mi Manera in Cusco's historic center, where every dish tells a story.

After lunch, we decided to do some shopping at La Galeria Cusco. Olivia was on the lookout for some unique souvenirs to take back home, and La Galeria seemed like the perfect place to find them. The shop was filled with a variety of handcrafted items, including jewelry, clothing, and home decor. Olivia ended up buying a beautiful alpaca scarf and a set of hand-painted ceramic Pucara bulls. I, on the other hand, found a lovely little painting depicting a scene from the Sacred Valley.


Explore La Galeria Cusco for unique handcrafted souvenirs that embody the rich culture and artistry of Peru, perfect for any traveler.

As the afternoon wore on, we decided to treat ourselves to a few drinks at La Chupiteria The Shot Bar. I’m not usually one for shot bars, but Olivia had heard great things about this place. It was known for its wide variety of creative shots and lively atmosphere. We ordered a few different shots, each more colorful and inventive than the last. The atmosphere was indeed very lively, and we found ourselves chatting with other travelers and locals. It was a fun and memorable experience, and a great way to unwind after a busy day of exploring.


Enjoy creative shots and a vibrant atmosphere at La Chupiteria, the ultimate nightlife experience in Cusco, Peru.

For our final dinner in Cusco, we chose Calle del Medio Restaurante Bar. We wanted to end our trip on a high note, and this place seemed to fit the bill perfectly. Located just a few meters from the Plaza de Armas, the restaurant offered stunning views of the city. The ambiance was sophisticated and relaxed, and the menu featured a variety of Peruvian and international dishes. We started with some classic pisco sours, which were expertly made and incredibly refreshing. For our main courses, I ordered the grilled alpaca steak, while Olivia chose the seafood risotto. Both dishes were cooked to perfection, and the flavors were simply divine. The service was also top-notch, and our waiter went above and beyond to make our evening special.


Experience authentic Peruvian flavors at Calle del Medio Restaurante Bar in Cusco's historic center.

As we savored our last bites of dinner, we reflected on our incredible journey through Cusco. From exploring the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu to immersing ourselves in the vibrant culture of the city, we had experienced so much in the past two weeks. Cusco had truly captured our hearts, and we knew we would never forget our time here. As a data analyst, I found myself fascinated by the precision and ingenuity of the Inca civilization. Their ability to construct such magnificent structures without modern technology is truly remarkable. Olivia, with her artistic sensibilities, was inspired by the vibrant colors and intricate patterns of the local textiles and artwork.

Our trip to Cusco has not only been a journey through history and culture but also a journey of personal growth and discovery. We have learned so much about ourselves and each other, and we have created memories that will last a lifetime. As we packed our bags at Hotel Polo Corporativo, ready for our flight back to Toronto, we felt a sense of gratitude and contentment. We were grateful for the opportunity to have experienced such a beautiful and fascinating place, and we were content with the knowledge that we had made the most of our time here.


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.

Cusco, thank you for the memories. Until next time!

As this is the last day of our trip, there is no itinerary for tomorrow.

The journey back to Toronto will be filled with reflections on the incredible experiences we've shared, the delicious food we've tasted, and the warm hospitality we've encountered. While I'm eager to return to my data analysis work, I know a part of me will always remain in the heart of the Inca Empire. And who knows, maybe one day we'll return to explore more of what this fascinating country has to offer.

Until our next adventure!