Being so high in altitude in Cusco, I thought there were a few things you might need to know…
The air
It’s thin. That’s all there is to say about it. Stepping off a plane that has departed from sea level and lands in Cusco means for about 10mins after you feel like you are walking in space. I was light headed and my backpack felt 10kg heavier. I seemed to adjust pretty quickly but walking around the streets – and up hills – could definitely be challenging on some days. Seeing me stopped in the streets to catch my breath was not an unusual occurrence.
(View above Cusco)
(Sure, it’s easier when you are walking DOWNhill…)
Drinking
Drinking heavily at altitude, let alone before your body has adjusted, is not always the smartest thing. Unfortunately my rational self was often off catching it’s breath when the rest of me happened to be at the bar… In Cusco I have become a lightweight. 2 drinks and I am dancing on a table. Ridiculous! And the feeling the next morning certainly doesn’t improve at this height. I blame the Pisco Sours, the national drink of Peru.
(The Cusco crew)
(Sarah, my Irish Aussie!)
(Dancing on a table…just to keep warm!)
Coca Tea
One of the main plants grown up here is Coca. The leaves are supposed to help relieve altitude sickness. You can have the leaves in tea or you can buy the lollies. Either way I didn’t love it. Apparently it contains 0.5% cocaine. So maybe it doesn’t actually help your altitude sickness, it just takes your mind off it…
(Free Coca tea anytime you like)
Weather
As you know, I am not the biggest fan of the cold, so at night Cusco could be a little challenging. I would rug up in my scarf beanie, jumper and top it off with my new ‘North Face’ raincoat. During the day standing in the sun could be hot, but as soon as you step into the shade, the jumper goes back on. My limited warm clothing got such a work out that I wore a hole in my pants. Easily fixed with a trip to the sewing lady at the market, and for $1 my Lorna Jane pants are now sporting a ‘Peru’ patch!
Scenery
Stunning. Driving around Cusco you get to see the snow capped Andes. What could be more beautiful. I would just sit and state out the window. How could you not! It is so beautiful.
For more on Cusco, see my next post.
