Cusco, Peru's Historical Capital

At 3400 meters or 11,000 plus feet, Cusco is located in a valley between mountains and  the airport is found in the middle of the city (interesting final approach). I must admit to feeling a bit faint and light headed because of the altitude but there are enough coca products (used by locals for altitude sickness) to consume (tea, sweets, gum, etc) though to me it tastes a bit like wet socks.  

Inca ruins galore and it's truly amazing how they moved all the heavy stones from kilometers away, carved them to fit like Lego, without the use of the wheel and advanced tools, many centuries ago. Of course, let's not think of those (human?) sacrifices but admire the simplicity and building precision evidenced in the temples of an old civilization who did not even use the written word. 

Saqsaywaman

Temple to the Sun

Plenty of colorful markets selling fresh produce, black corn, and of course, quinoa!

Black corn

And Spain's colonial influence lives on.

Alpaca