Exploring the Heart of the Andes: A Family Adventure in Cusco

Cusco's Cultural Gems

Today was a day of diving deep into the heart of Cusco, exploring its art, history, and the unique cultural elements that make this city so captivating. Lena, Kai, and I set out with a plan to soak up as much as we could, and Cusco certainly delivered. It's amazing how much history is packed into every corner here.

Our first stop was the Museo de Arte Precolombino, or MAP as the locals call it. The building itself is a beautiful blend of Inca and colonial architecture, a taste of what was to come inside. Wandering through the museum, Lena was in her element, her museum curator's eye picking out details I would have missed. Kai, surprisingly, was also engaged, drawn in by the intricate pottery and gold artifacts. It’s funny, sometimes I forget how much he enjoys history when it's presented in a way that feels real, not just something from a textbook.

The museum is housed in a stunning colonial mansion, once home to the educational center for Inca elites. The collection showcases over 400 pieces from various pre-Columbian cultures, including Nazca, Mochica, and Inca. Each piece told a story, offering insights into the beliefs, rituals, and daily life of these ancient civilizations. Lena was particularly fascinated by the ceramics, pointing out the symbolism and advanced techniques used by the artisans. For me, it was the gold artifacts that captured my attention – the craftsmanship was simply incredible. I found myself wondering about the hands that shaped these objects, the stories they held, and the world they came from. The Museo de Arte Precolombino truly offers a different perspective on pre-Colombian ceramics, seamlessly merging art and culture.


Explore the Museo de Arte Precolombino in Cusco, where ancient artistry meets history in a captivating cultural experience.

The past is never dead. It's not even past.

After immersing ourselves in ancient art, we ventured to the Coca Museum. Now, I know what some folks might think, but this museum offered a fascinating look at the history and cultural significance of the coca leaf in Andean society. From its uses in sacred rituals to its role in everyday life, the museum provided a balanced and informative perspective. Kai was especially interested in the exhibits detailing the coca leaf's medicinal properties and its importance in combating altitude sickness. I even learned that Coca-Cola owes its existence to the plant, as coca leaves were initially used as a flavoring agent.

The museum traced the uses of the coca leaf from sacred rituals to its more insidious incarnations. It highlighted the plant's importance to past and present Andean peoples. We saw art, pictures, artifacts, and information that reflected coca's significance. It was a good primer on Andean culture. Lena found the displays on traditional uses quite interesting, while I was intrigued by the exhibits on the coca leaf's role in various social and political movements throughout history.


Explore the cultural significance of coca leaves in Peru at the Coca Museum in Cusco, a unique attraction showcasing history, tradition, and modern implications.

Leaving the Coca Museum, we walked towards the famous Twelve Angled Stone. It’s set in an ancient wall called Hatunrumiyoc, which, according to scholars, means “house that has large stones” in Quechua. This stone is a marvel of Inca engineering, fitting perfectly into the surrounding wall with its twelve angles. It’s amazing to think that this stone was laid over 700 years ago, and it’s still standing strong, a testament to the ingenuity of the Inca civilization. Kai was impressed by the precision of the stonework, noting that not even a piece of paper could fit between the stones. I explained to him how the Incas built their structures to withstand earthquakes, allowing the stones to “dance” and then resettle without collapsing.

The Twelve Angled Stone is believed to represent the division of 24 families of Cusco, 12 during the Hurin dynasty and 12 during the Hanan dynasty. Originally part of the Inca palace called Palacio Inca Roca, it became the Archbishop's palace in the early 20th century. It is forbidden to touch the stone, which is considered a National Heritage Object.


Explore the Twelve Angled Stone in Cusco, a stunning historical landmark showcasing Incan craftsmanship and architectural brilliance.

For breakfast, we started our day at Mr. Soup. It was a cozy little place, perfect for warming up on a chilly Cusco morning. I opted for the mushroom soup, Lena had the traditional Peruvian soup with quinoa, and Kai, ever the adventurous one, tried the curried udon. Each soup was delicious and hearty, just what we needed to fuel our day of exploring. The atmosphere was homely, and the staff were incredibly hospitable. It was easy to see why this place has such a great reputation among locals and tourists alike. Mr. Soup offers a great choice of dishes for average prices, and the fine service makes it a remarkable spot.


Discover authentic Peruvian flavors at Mr Soup in Cusco—where every bowl tells a story.

Lunch was at Inka Grill, a restaurant recommended by Frommer's experts as one of the pleasant places to visit. The location was perfect, right on the Plaza de Armas, offering stunning views of the city. The Peruvian cuisine was excellent. I ordered the trout, Lena had the ají de gallina, and Kai went for the pepper steak. The food was fantastic, and the atmosphere was lively and welcoming. The staff was nice, and the service was fast. We even got a chance to try some Pisco sour, which was the perfect complement to our meal. Inka Grill is known for its Peruvian and international cuisines and its great location. The restaurant has a homey atmosphere and terrific decor.


Discover authentic Peruvian flavors at Inka Grill in Cusco – where tradition meets contemporary dining.

As the day wound down, we decided to have dinner at Mamá Jama Restaurant. The restaurant had a calm atmosphere and modern decor. We started with some Pisco sours, which were expertly made. For the main course, I had the grilled chicken, Lena chose the trout, and Kai opted for the steaks. The food was delicious, and the service was spectacular. The prices were attractive, and the staff was patient and positive. It was the perfect way to end a day of cultural immersion. Many guests enjoy the calm atmosphere and modern decor of Mamá Jama Restaurant.


Discover authentic Peruvian flavors at Mamá Jama Restaurant in Cusco - where tradition meets taste in every dish.

Before heading back to the hotel, we stopped by Cholos Craft Beers Cusco. I'm always on the lookout for a good craft beer, and this place did not disappoint. They had a wide selection of local brews on tap, each with its unique flavor and character. I tried a quinoa kolsh, Lena had a lemonade with a hint of mint, and Kai went for the imperial IPA. The atmosphere was cozy and comfortable, making it an ideal spot to relax and unwind after a long day of sightseeing. I enjoyed the patio, which had a very relaxing atmosphere. Cholos Craft Beers offers a wide selection of craft beers from various local breweries and serves delicious hamburgers.


Experience Peruvian brewing culture at Cholos Craft Beers in Cusco, where local flavors meet vibrant ambiance in a historic setting.

“Travel makes one modest. You see what a tiny place you occupy in the world.” This quote really resonated with me today. Exploring Cusco's cultural gems made me realize how much there is to learn and appreciate in this world. It's experiences like these that make travel so enriching and meaningful.

As we head into tomorrow, we're planning to explore the San Blas neighborhood, visit the San Blas View Point, Museo Maximo Laura, Cusco, and the San Blas Waterfall and caves. I'm excited to see what other hidden gems Cusco has in store for us. It’s been an amazing trip so far, and I can’t wait to share more of our adventures with you all. I'm particularly looking forward to visiting TEXTILES POMATAYLLA tomorrow, as I'm keen to see the local textiles and maybe pick up a souvenir or two. Lena is also excited about visiting the Museo Maximo Laura, Cusco, as she's always interested in seeing local art and textiles. We'll be having breakfast at El Mesón de Don Tomas, lunch at Marcelo Batata Restaurante, and dinner at Sumaqcha Restaurant. It promises to be another day filled with cultural immersion and delicious food.

Mahalo for reading, and stay tuned for more from our Peruvian adventure!