Trekking the Salkantay Trail: A Peruvian Adventure with Friends

Whispers of the Past

Today marked the beginning of our Salkantay adventure, and what better way to prepare than by immersing ourselves in the rich history of Cusco? It's fascinating to walk the same streets once trod by the Incas, feeling their presence in every stone. As an English teacher, I often tell my students that to truly understand a language, you must understand its culture, and today was a lesson in Peruvian culture that no textbook could ever provide.

Our first stop was Saqsaywaman, and what a sight it was! I’ve seen pictures, of course, but nothing prepares you for the sheer scale of those stones. How the Incas managed to move and fit them together so perfectly without modern technology is beyond comprehension. The stones are massive, some weighing over 100 tons. Greta, always the historian, was in her element, pointing out the ingenious interlocking shapes that held the walls together. Even Lila was impressed, scrambling over the rocks like a little explorer. The views of Cusco from up there were breathtaking, a sprawling tapestry of red-tiled roofs nestled in the valley. I tried to imagine what it must have been like during the Inca Empire, with the city bustling below and Saqsaywaman serving as its protector. It’s easy to see why it’s considered the second most impressive site in Peru, after Machu Picchu.


Explore the architectural marvel of Saqsaywaman, an ancient Incan fortress offering breathtaking views and a rich historical narrative in Cusco, Peru.

To walk through Cusco is to walk through layers of history, each stone whispering tales of empires and transformations.

After soaking in the grandeur of Saqsaywaman, we descended back into Cusco for lunch at Chullos Restaurant & Craft Beer. The restaurant was clean and inviting, and the staff were incredibly friendly. I decided to try the Cuy al estilo KFC (guinea pig), while Greta opted for the trout ceviche. Lila, predictably, chose the Milanese de Pollo. My guinea pig was surprisingly delicious, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. It had a slightly gamey flavor, which I quite enjoyed. Greta raved about her ceviche, declaring it the best she’d had so far. Fueled up, we were ready for our next adventure: Qorikancha.


Experience authentic Peruvian cuisine at Chullos Restaurant & Craft Beer in Aguas Calientes – where tradition meets modern taste.


Explore Qorikancha, the Temple of the Sun in Cusco, where Incan history meets stunning architecture and cultural richness.

Qorikancha, or the Temple of the Sun, was a completely different experience from Saqsaywaman. Where Saqsaywaman was all about imposing strength and scale, Qorikancha was about refined elegance and spiritual significance. 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 like seeing two different worlds colliding, each leaving its mark on the other. Greta pointed out the trapezoidal doorways and windows, designed to withstand earthquakes, a testament to Inca engineering. I tried to imagine the temple in its full glory, covered in gold and filled with golden statues. It must have been an awe-inspiring sight. The garden within the complex offered a tranquil space to reflect on the site's layered history.

As the sun began to set, we made our way to Restaurante AYASQA for dinner. We enjoyed a warm and tasty buffet-style dinner. After a day of exploring, it was exactly what we needed. The staff was friendly and attentive, making us feel right at home.


Experience authentic Peruvian cuisine at Restaurante AYASQA in Aguas Calientes - a must-visit dining destination near Machu Picchu.

Before heading back to our accommodation, we decided to check out the Black Cat Bar for a nightcap. The bar had a cozy atmosphere, and the craft cocktails were excellent. I tried a Pisco Sour, of course, while Greta enjoyed a Chilcano. Lila had a Shirley Temple, feeling very grown-up.


Experience the best craft cocktails and vibrant nightlife in the heart of Cusco at Black Cat Bar, where every drink tells a story.

Tomorrow, we'll be exploring more of Cusco, including the Plaza Mayor de Cusco and the Twelve Angled Stone. I’m particularly looking forward to seeing the Plaza Mayor, the heart of the city, and soaking in its vibrant atmosphere. We'll also be visiting the Handicraft Center Cusco, where I hope to find some unique souvenirs to take back home to Berlin. I'm sure Lila will want a new llama toy. It’s hard to believe this is just the beginning of our adventure. The Salkantay Trail awaits, and I can’t wait to see what challenges and wonders it holds. But for now, I’m content to savor the memories of today, a day filled with history, culture, and the simple joy of exploring a new place with my loved ones. It was a perfect start to our Peruvian adventure with friends, and I'm already looking forward to sharing more stories from the trail.

Despite the rain that Cusco experiences during November, we were lucky to have a day of pleasant weather. It was temperate, with the sun setting between 5:50 PM and 6:03 PM. I am glad we packed layers, as the temperature fluctuated throughout the day.

As I sit here writing this, with the sounds of Cusco drifting in through the window, I can’t help but feel grateful for this opportunity to experience a new culture and create lasting memories with my family. It’s moments like these that make all the hard work and planning worthwhile. And who knows, maybe one day I’ll bring my students here to experience the magic of Peru for themselves. Until then, I’ll continue to share my adventures through this blog, hoping to inspire others to step outside their comfort zones and explore the world.

The Salkantay Trail awaits, and I can’t wait to see what challenges and wonders it holds. But for now, I’m content to savor the memories of today, a day filled with history, culture, and the simple joy of exploring a new place with my loved ones.