Saturday
Cusco, my very special town! Capital of the Incas and even prettier than I could have ever imagined, even in my most colourful dreams! So authentic, so vivid, and so rich in culture, it was a city that took me back in time. Men and women dressed in traditional attire were selling colourful Peruvian souvenirs, as well as fruits and vegetables that looked fairytale-like… they sold gigantic avocados that would have made the dreamiest avo-toasts…



While climbing the steep steps of the city, I was quickly out of breath and wondered if I suddenly became unfit overnight – it felt as if I was on a treadmill at 10% incline for hours! Altitude sickness was the culprit, so I was told that an ancient tradition to alleviate the feeling was to chew on coca leaves, called “acullico.” The magical leaves saved my life. Not only did they help me with altitude sickness but also suppressed my hunger, eased my jet lag fatigue, and digested all the Peruvian chocolate I was having!
Beauty Sleep: Inakterra Casona, a charming boutique hotel surrounded by cobblestoned streets and located right in the Plaza de Las Nazarenas. It has 11 suites oozing with charm, culture, and tradition. It serves delicious food, especially their gourmet breakfast! All of the rooms have fireplaces to keep you warm during the cold Andean nights. Tip: If you’re a last minute traveller and can’t find a room there, try the Palazio Nazarena or the Monasterio.
After a yummy breakfast filled with Andean superfoods, I stopped by the healing house for Sunrise Vinyasa Yoga – the perfect start to my day in the spiritual and holy city of the Incas.
We visited the local cathedral located in the Plaza de Armas, the main square. Absolutely breathtaking!
We strolled over to the bohemian neighbourhood of San Blas, famous for its church and cool handicrafts. The little stores are perfect for retail therapy if you’re in need of a brightly woven Peruvian poncho, or locally crafted jewellery and bags. We had a delicious lunch at Organika, a farm-to-table restaurant, where the dishes were not only tasty but also gorgeously decorated with bright flowers.
We stopped by Coricancha, the Inca temple of the Sun. It’s incredibly impressive especially if you’re a sun lover like myself.
You can’t come to Cusco and not visit the bustling San Pedro Market, known for its Andean tropical fruits and vegetables, potatoes in all colours, shapes, and sizes, as well as its flower stalls and textiles…
We ended our day with dinner at Cicciolina, located on the second level of a colonial home. It serves a mix of Spanish tapas and Peruvian cuisine. The highlight was their magical pisco sour. Tip: It’s one of the most popular spots in town and is quite small, so definitely book in advance!