We bid “adios” to Machu Picchu and Aguas Calientes and took the train back to Ollantaytambo.  Our tour bus met us there to drive us to Cusco (“Cuzco” in Spanish) where we would be staying for the remainder of the tour.

(For all photos, click on the image for a full screen view.)

Cusco, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is at an elevation of 11,200 feet, so there were times Bruce and I could feel our respiration rate increase as we hoofed it around town during our free time. 

Now a city of about 428,000 people, it is the capital of the Cusco province.  Back in the 13^th to 16^th centuries, it was the capital of the Inca Empire.  That all ended when the Spanish came…

I like the colorful flag of Cusco.

Raul led us on a walking tour of Cusco to explore what the Incas had called “the navel of the world.”  The city was laid out in the shape of a puma, which was sacred to the Incas.

The heart of the city is Plaza de Armas, and its centerpiece is the colonial 17^th-century cathedral.

Our favorite stop on the tour was Museo Maximo Laura, which exhibited the vibrant collection of Laura’s tapestries.  Check out the link, and I’m sure you will agree the museum is colorful eye candy!  We were amazed at the explosion of colors and intricate designs of these labor-intensive works of art.

Thankfully, the signs posted encouraged its guests to take photos and post them on social media.  I was overjoyed to do so!  Sharing Maximo Laura’s work with you is my pleasure.

More scenes around Cusco:

We wrapped up the beautiful day by returning to the plaza for an evening stroll.

Next up:  PERU #13: A DAY IN THE LIFE OF ISKUCHACA AND CHINCERO VILLAGES