Our second day in Cusco had an early start. We woke up and began our adventure with a breakfast facing the main courtyard in the Palacio Del Inka. I had my usual omelette while my husband went a little more exotic and tried the kiwicha pancakes. Kiwicha or amaranth is a grain typical to Peru and has recently begun to enjoy notoriety as a superfood. (Dear fellow foodies, watch for this grain to become as popular as quinoa.)
After our delicious breakfast, we were off to explore the city…
This adventure began with a taxi ride into the nearby hills to see the famous ruined Incan fortress of Sacsayhuaman. On our way up, I HAD to stop when I laid eyes on the most adorable baby alpaca. I couldn’t resist touching this sweet furry baby! Her mother is the larger alpaca pictured with those large clear blue eyes. After a cuddle or two, we continued towards the top while admiring the view of the city below.
After exploring the ruins we headed back down to the city and stopped off at the San Pedro Central Market. Cusco’s most famous market is known as a top attraction for visitors as one of the best places to view traditional Andean Peruvian produce, food, and goods. Around town, we noticed quite a few people carrying those oversized bread rounds from the market which were the size of a large pizza. Also pictured are some traditional Peruvian grains such as quinoa, kiwicha, and cañihua, along with yellow rounds of cheese, fresh river fish, and the iconic Peruvian corn. Fruit stands dominated the market and while I love photographing all the shiny bright fruit, one of the vendor’s children was a bit camera shy.
After seeing all this large spread of food we had worked up quite an appetite. Last year when we were in Cusco I had the most delicious polenta I had ever tasted. It was served at an Italian restaurant near the hotel called Cicciolina and the polenta was just as good as I remembered. If you’re ever in Cusco you must go!
Since our trip took place during the rainy season, most mornings would start off as clear and sunny but by noon the clouds would come in and it would rain. This called for umbrellas, plenty of layers, and typically several outfit changes. I would usually start in my Converse (like this oufit) and then later switch into boots. The two items I had at all times was this ASOS camel cape (which I styled as a scarf above) and these Garrett Leight gold sunglasses from Black Optical. With Cusco being 11,000 feet above sea level and known for having the highest UV rays in the world I was going to make sure and protect my peepers. Stylishly, of course.
More details of our trip to come! Until then, check out these past posts for more info on our journey /// Cusco street style /// Palacio del Inka Hotel /// Last year’s Cusco trip /// mini guide to Cusco, Peru
outfit details /// ASOS plain cape (only $33!)/// James Perse Long Sleeve Slub Jersey Tee /// J Brand Jeans 811 Photo Ready Mid Rise Skinny in Vanity /// Gorjana Bali Necklace /// Black Optical GARRETT LEIGHT VALITA /// Ivanka Trump ‘Onna’ Over The Knee Boot (now $99)
Shop the outfit below.
