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

Cosmic Cusco: A Day of Stars and Sacred Spaces

Today was a day of reaching for the stars, both literally and figuratively. Olivia and I embarked on a journey that blended ancient Inca wisdom with the celestial wonders of the Andean sky. It was a day of exploring, learning, and connecting with the rich cultural tapestry of Cusco.

Our day began, as many do here, with a hearty breakfast. We ventured to the Green Point Vegan Restaurant, a place I had heard whispers about from fellow travellers for its innovative take on Peruvian classics. I must admit, as a proud Portuguese, I am a big fan of trying new cuisines, and I was not dissapointed. The restaurant itself was an oasis, filled with lush greenery and bathed in natural light, creating a tranquil atmosphere that was a perfect start to our day. Olivia, ever the adventurous foodie, opted for the vegan ceviche, while I decided on a plant-based version of lomo saltado. Both dishes were bursting with flavour, a testament to the restaurant's commitment to inventive vegan cuisine. It was a delightful and surprisingly filling meal that set us up perfectly for the day ahead.


Discover delicious vegan cuisine in Cusco's historic center at Green Point Vegan Restaurant—where sustainability meets flavor.

With our stomachs happy and our spirits high, we set off to explore the Temple of the Moon. Nestled in the hills surrounding Cusco, this ancient site has always called to me, with promises of mystery and wonder. As we ascended, the views of Cusco sprawling below became increasingly breathtaking. The air was crisp and clean, carrying the scent of eucalyptus and damp earth. It was a welcome change from the bustling city streets, a chance to breathe and reconnect with nature.

The Temple of the Moon itself was awe-inspiring. The stonework, crafted by the Killke culture long before the Inca Empire, blended seamlessly with the natural caves and rock formations, creating a space that felt both sacred and powerful. Walking through the chambers, I could almost feel the echoes of ancient rituals, the whispers of prayers carried on the wind. Olivia and I took our time exploring, marveling at the intricate carvings and the sense of harmony that permeated the site. It was easy to see why this place was considered a sacred space, a place for reflection and connection with the divine.


Discover the mystical Temple of the Moon in Cusco, where ancient Incan spirituality comes alive amidst breathtaking Andean landscapes.

Sometimes, the most profound discoveries are not found in textbooks, but in the whispers of ancient stones and the silent language of the stars.

After our exploration of the Temple of the Moon, we descended back into Cusco, our minds buzzing with the mysteries we had uncovered. It was time for lunch, and we decided to try Chull's - Peruvian Cuisine & Craft Beer, a spot recommended for its authentic Peruvian dishes and locally brewed craft beers. As someone who enjoys a good beer, I was intrigued. We found the restaurant tucked away on Calle Zetas, a charming colonial building with a cozy patio. The atmosphere was lively and welcoming, filled with the chatter of locals and tourists alike.

Olivia and I shared a few dishes, including the trout ceviche and ají de gallina, both of which were exceptional. The ceviche was fresh and zesty, while the ají de gallina was rich and creamy, with a subtle hint of spice. And of course, I sampled a couple of their craft beers, each one unique and flavourful. It was the perfect way to refuel after our morning of exploration, a chance to savour the tastes of Peru and soak in the vibrant atmosphere of Cusco.


Discover authentic Peruvian cuisine and craft beer at Chull's in Cusco - a culinary experience that captures the essence of Peru.

Following lunch, we strolled through the city, soaking in the sights and sounds. We stopped at a local souvenir and woodworking store, where Olivia, with her keen eye for art and design, found a beautiful hand-carved wooden box to add to our collection. It's moments like these, discovering unique treasures, that make traveling with Olivia so special. Her artistic flair always leads us to the most interesting and authentic finds.


Explore authentic Peruvian craftsmanship at this charming souvenir store in Cusco, offering a wide range of handcrafted treasures.

As the afternoon waned, we made our way back to Hotel Polo Corporativo for a brief respite before our evening adventure. A quick shower and change of clothes, and we were ready to embrace the night. Our destination? The Cusco Planetarium. I had booked this experience weeks in advance, eager to learn about Inca astronomy and gaze at the stars from the Southern Hemisphere. As someone who has worked with data for years, astronomy and the cosmos has always held a special interest for me.


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.

The planetarium was located in the Laullipata Forest, a short drive from Cusco. As we ascended into the hills, the city lights faded behind us, and the stars began to emerge in the inky sky. The planetarium itself was a small, intimate space, run by a local family passionate about astronomy and Inca culture. The experience began with a fascinating talk about Inca cosmology, their understanding of the stars, and how they used celestial events to guide their lives. It was amazing to learn how the Inca saw constellations in the dark spaces between the stars, creating their own unique map of the heavens.

After the talk, we ventured outside to the observatory, where we had the opportunity to view the night sky through powerful telescopes. Unfortunately, the sky was partly cloudy but we still managed to glimpse at some constellations. Even with the clouds, the experience was magical, a reminder of the vastness of the universe and our place within it. The guides shared stories of Inca astronomers, their knowledge of the stars, and their connection to the cosmos.


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

Before heading back to the hotel, we decided to grab a nightcap at Rock House Cafe. The cafe was filled with the raw energy of live rock music, a complete contrast to the tranquility of the planetarium. We enjoyed a couple of drinks, tapping our feet to the music and soaking in the lively atmosphere. It was a fun and energetic end to a day that had been filled with exploration, learning, and connection.


Experience the vibrant nightlife of Cusco at Rock House Cafe, where gastronomy meets live music in a unique atmosphere.

As I sit here now, reflecting on the day, I am filled with a sense of gratitude. We enjoyed a fulfilling dinner at Taste Of India, Cafe Carvalho. It was a flavorful explosion that left us completely satiated. Today was a reminder of the beauty and wonder that exists in the world, both in the ancient cultures that shaped our past and in the celestial bodies that light up our future. Cusco continues to surprise and inspire me, and I can't wait to see what tomorrow brings. Tomorrow, we plan to delve deeper into Cusco's history with visits to the Inka Museum and the Coca Museum. Until then, good night from Cusco.


Experience authentic Indian flavors in the heart of Cusco at Taste Of India, Cafe Carvalho - a culinary delight not to be missed!

P.S. Olivia would like me to remind everyone that I forgot to pack sunscreen and a hat! A rookie mistake that I won't be making again.