Cusco and Surrounds

Located near the spectacular Urubamba Valley of the Andes, Cusco was previously the capital of the Incan Empire,  and said to be built in the shape of a puma. When the Spanish invaded, they destroyed most of the Incan structures and used the stones to build churches and buildings for what would become the capital of Spanish colonisation. As a result, Cusco is now an awe-inspiring mixture of colonial architecture, surrounded by Incan ruins, and filled with tourists on their way to see Machu Picchu.

We were lucky enough to be joined in Cusco by Kate's mum, Helen, who spent 2 weeks with us, avidly exploring some of the most picturesque locations in South America.

A local Cusqueñan woman with her pet Alpaca (dressed in it's finest).

The Sacsayhuaman (sounds like "sexy woman") ruins, a short walk from Cusco and located on a hill overlooking the city, was the site of a 10 month siege during which the Incans tried to regain control of Cusco from the Spanish. As with most Incan structures, it is made of large stones that have been carefully sculpted to fit together without mortar. The stones are so closely spaced that a single piece of paper will not fit between many of the stones.

The ruins of Tambomachay - thought to be either a military outpost of Cusco or a spa resort, was created with aqueducts, canals and waterfalls running through it.

The ruins of Pukapukara (the red fort).

Our friend, Job, was also joined by his mum in Cusco at the same time! Hence the cake and crazy sign!