Hi,
I'm in Cusco acclimatising myself as it is about 3.5kms above sea level. My breathing/oxygen intake is okay, as long as I don't walk fast, eat/drink too much at once or forget to breath normally. I'm off to see Machu Picchu in a couple of days on a guided 15hr day trip starting at 0600. Luckily Machu Picchu is only 2.5kms above sea level, so I might not get so puffed out. Cusco is a beautiful old town nestled in the valley between tall mountains. My hotel is in the historic part of town and the windy cobblestone roads are wide enough to fit small cars through. You have to be ever vigilent when walking on the sidewalk, lest you get a side mirror up the clacker. The plane ride in from Lima was awesome, the final approach consisted of flying through the valley lower than the peaks of the mountains surrounding the flight path, then a sharp left turn to line up with the runway.
I've had no better luck with my accommodation in Cusco. They didn't have my booking on file and gave me one room for the first night and then made me swap to another room for the other four nights. The first room had no toiletries, no towels, no loo paper (not even in the hall) and no hot water. The second room had hot water but nothing else listed above, plus a wonky toilet. It doesnt sit flush (no pun intended) with the ground as the tiling around the drain has lifted. It makes for a fun story, i'm having a blast regardless,
talk soon,
David
