We were the first to fly out of the swim trek group. An 8.10 flight to Guayaquil. I was feeling very unwell – my head cold had really taken hold and after the dinner last night I got very little sleep.

Oh well only a flight to Guayaquil a night there and an early start for Cusco.
We walked along the river front with lots of locals and watched various displays put on by the Army, Navy, Airforce recruiters.

Finally found somewhere for lunch – the Naval Sailing Club. Very old fashioned but it was fine.

Then the heat got to us and we returned to the Palace, our hotel, after which I headed out to the pharmacy and mimed my sore throats and congested nose. They sell drugs by the tablet. I was given 6 tablets and 8 lozenges. Hope I’m better by the time I’ve finished them!

Dozed and read and worked on my blog. Good downtime. I think we would have enjoyed Quito better. Some of the Swim Trekkers headed there on their way to Cusco or back home.

So a bowl of the local potato and corn soup for dinner – great for a cold.

Then to bed ready for an early wake up call for a 6 am taxi to the airport.
We flew via Lima and arrived in Cusco around 2.30.

I sat next to the loveliest 9 year girl called Johanna. At least I think that’s what she said. We were amused when she blessed herself on take-off at there mother’s prompting. We mimed lots, as my Spanish is awful and her English non existent. I did try Italian but that just confused her.

We were met at the airport by Yannick, a German, the representative of Chimu South American travel.

First impressions of Cusco. 

Charming

A mix of colours. Both on the people – their colours can be so colourful and in their window displays.

Balconies on the buildings with flowers like in Germany! Or Spain.

Cobbled and paved streets.

Lots of restaurants. And hostels and young people.

I was a little worried about altitude sickness but we drank the cocoa tea, avoided alcohol ( no hardship as I’m full of a cold) and had a small meal at Green Organics. It’s a fabulous little restaurant and I’d love to return.

So no effect on the first night.

We took things slowly as we have been so busy all last week.

Tomorrow a sleep, in then a city tour with Chimu Tours.

Can’t wait to explore