Climatising in Cusco

Having landed safely in Cusco we had a couple of days to explore the city before the Inca Trail would begin. As soon as we got off the plane the altitude hit us. It was Austrailia day so there was a big BBQ at the hostel on our arrival, we had some food and some drinks. The drinks being our downfall meant we were asleep by 6.30pm and didn´t rise until 6am the following day. It would seem altitude and alcohol aren´t the best of friends.

 
We explored Cusco over the next few days bartering for Peruvian jumpers and eating three course meals for the equivalent of 1 pound and 23 pence. A guided city tour seemed like a bad idea to begin with as our guide ´Carlos´ had the chore of keeping us entertained. We started in a museum looking at Inca rocks and the tour soon improved as we embarked on a little trail to some ruins. This was the point where both Shelley and i did become a bit worried. Huffing and puffing up a slightly inclined hill was hard enough work and left us out of breath. How on earth would we manage the Inca Trail?

Our final day before the trail saw us arrive at the Prisma Hotel. There were hot showers and nice beds - luxury! Definitely a step up from the previous day where we had both experienced one of the coldest showers the world has to offerç. We met with our 12 other fellow trek members that evening, and being worried about our clothes getting wet in the duffle bags we were provided with we went on a mission to find plastic bags. What should have taken only a few minutes turned into a shop, dinner and Shelley gaining blisters (walking round town without socks in walking boots).... Sleep time and a 6am wake up - the Inca Trail begins!