Instead of heading out (actually, just down this condo) to do strengthening training today, I decided to just skip it and continue my blog post about Peru. I fear that if I postpone this any longer, I would actually start forgetting the details.

Unfortunately, I could be suffering from a mild case of Alzheimer’s. I am finding it harder and harder to remember people’s names and faces. But that’s another blog post. In the meantime, here is Day 4 & 5 of my Peru trip.

Day 4

This day, I took the bus back from Puno to Cusco. Just like in the Philippines, there are different grades of public buses. High-, mid-, and low-end. I was actually looking forward to immersing myself in their public transit but the ticket that was planned for me was for a mid-end bus. Not complaining since it was a 7 hour bus ride.

Before riding the bus, the tour leader said, “Okay, so in the bus station, if a stranger distracts you… do. not. move. If they throw soda on your face, do. not. move. and just guard your things.” Quite scary hearing those words. I feel like the local people in Puno are anticipating the arrival of tourists only to attack them.

Luckily, nothing happened. Shyucks, would’ve been a nice story to tell, eh? Kidding! Anyway, the bus was packed… by only tourists of all sorts. I swear to God, the bus was a perfect target for some sort of kidnapping. Again, nothing happened. 

The ride was amazing! The view was spectacular (again, more mountains) but I decided not to take pictures anymore. I figured that I will have an even better view of the mountains once I start hiking.

I arrive Cusco late in the afternoon so I could only do some quick activities before dinner:

1. Get a good view of Cusco from the highest point
2. Go to the local market (and buy anting-anting)
3. Have 1 Soles ice cream

Dinner was a different story. The tour leader brought us to this local restaurant. All along, I was thinking that the food prices would be less than 10 Soles (USD 3 or 4-ish). On the contrary, I had to spend a good 30 Soles for my meal. It was a good meal though. I got a huge ass burger that is literally (I think) as big as my face. I think the restaurant was called Los Perros but I can be mistaken. 

Here’s a link to how big the burger was. I only ate 3/4s, even if I know I could eat the entire thing. Just felt bad for my body :p

Day 5

Big day again today! Another 7 hour ride to the Sacred Valley of Ollantaytambo. Not too frightening though since we have a few stops along the way.

White Christ that stands over the city of Cusco
(somewhat similar to Christ the Redeemer in Brazil)

Alpaca land (or Alapaca weaver at Caccaccollo)
(where I purchased the softest tuque)

Scenic view of the Sacred Valley

Pisac Ruins 
(I know, the photo doesn’t show you where the ruins are since they blend with the mountains)

After 7 hours (or more) of hopping on and off the private van, we finally reached the Sacred Valley. First stop was the Ollantaytambo ruins. Yes, yet another Inca ruin :p 

Going up the stairs/terraces was no fun. Actually, at Day 5, I was starting to worry how well I’d fare in the trek. In so far, there hasn’t been a time when I didn’t scour for breathe in any of my climbs. Regardless, I still smiled for the camera. ;)

The Sacred Valley was such a small place. We (Me, Ben, Anrey, and Tricia - the solo travelers of the group) were able to go about the entire city in a couple of hours.

With enough time to kill before dinner time, we decided to relax and have coffee and one of the cafes located in the main square. We talked about how we should demand for wooden fired pizzas for dinner, and true enough, we did!

Yet again, the serving was humungous. Well, how can it not be? Each of us were craving for pizza so much that we all decided to order separately. *gluttony*

Anyway, the night ended with another roundabout in the city, this time with a local kid as our tour guide. Definitely a great way to burn the calories.

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‘Til my next post!