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SPELLING:
Cuzco - Cusco - Qusqu - Qosqo
There was no written Inka (aka Inca) language and their history
was passed down verbally in the Quechua language. Cuzco means
centre (aka navel). In 1991 experts decided that the name
of the city should be written as 'Qosqo'.
Inca - Inka
The term 'Inka' in the Quechua language refers to the ruling
class or ruling family in the empire. The Spanish adopted
it as 'Inca' and used it as an ethnic term referring to all
subjects of the empire.
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ACCOMMODATIONS:
Inkarri Hostel
(more hotel than 'hostel' by North American standards) is well
located in Cuzco on a narrow one-way street off the high priced
tourist squares. Well sized rooms are simple and clean with tv.
Quiet rooms face inner courtyards. If wanting WiFi be sure to
ask as it is not available to all rooms. Complementary use of
guest computers. Small breakfast included. Arrangements may be
made to keep luggage while hiking the
Inca Trail.
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ARRANGEMENTS:
Hotel: Made reservation directly with
Inkarri Hostel
through email.
Tours: Self guided tour around Cuzco on foot; a
definitive tour is not even required ... simply stroll.
Inca Trail: Bookings for the Inca Trail were made with
Wasai Lodge &
Expeditions (booked Peruvian Amazon Jungle
adventure at same time).
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FOOD & DRINK:
BREAKFAST at the hotel was adequate for our
needs (coffee, small juice, eggs, buns, butter & jam); but for a
traditionally large breakfast eater it would probably be
considered small.
Restaurants, cafes and street food is plentiful in Cuzco.
Here are some we tried:
Cafe Ottito in the Handicraft Centre (Centro
Artesanal) at Av Tullumayo & Pachacutec. There are four
booth-type cafes next to each other. Only Cafe Ottito (on
far right) had locals lining up for Griselda's chicken pasta
soup ... delicious broth, pasta and a big chunk of chicken
(approx. $2.50 US + tax). No English spoken but pointing
works. When he is not studying law, her son Jaime (speaks
English) helps her out .
Chifa Kuoda Chinese restaurant next to Romana
Pizzeria at 775 Av Tullumayo. Inexpensive and cooked to
order by beautiful and cheerful Lm. Eat in or take out.
No English spoken but English menu available.
Los Apus Restaurant & Grill above Plaza San
Blas. Set menu S/12. A tourist friendly restaurant
in historic area of Cuzco.
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PLACES TO GO:
Machu Picchu
is the strongest draw for visitors to Cuzco. If you are
making your own arrangements to visit Machu Picchu be sure to
purchase your entry ticket in Machu Picchu Pueblo (previously
known as Aquas Calientes) BEFORE getting on the bus as as
tickets are NOT AVAILABLE AT THE ENTRANCE GATE
(at least they weren't when we visited).
Inca Trail
trek needs to be arranged well in advance.
In and around Plaza de Armas Many of
Cuzco's heritage sites are around the main plazas but you are
encouraged to venture further to experience the day-to-day
Cuzco.
People-watch & share. Try this:
sit on a bench (the one opposite Inglesia de La Merced, a block
from the cathedral, is ideal) with a roll of crackers or cookies
and offer some to anyone who sits beside you. Even if you
can't speak the same language, you will have someone with whom
to 'people-watch'.
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