Cusco, once the mountain capital of the Incas, now claims the tourism capital of Peru. Although festivals are common throughout the year, June is the mother load of celebration. From Corpus Christi on June 11th followed by folk parades from June 12th to 22nd. The Cusco festivals culminate with Inti Raymi, the annual Festival of the Sun on June 24th.
We have arrived to Cusco in the midst of the color, dancing and festival season. We will return to Cusco from our adventures of hiking and cycling in Peru to take in the Festival of the Sun. Thankfully the ancient traditions of sacrificing llamas has been replaced by more theatrical representation. 200,000 will be joining us to witness the second largest festival in South America, next to the Carnival in Rio de Janeiro.
Cusco sits at an altitude of 11,200 feet, for us a change of 8000 ft or so. Our early days have been spent following the advice of sipping cups of Coca tea, lots of rest and plenty of water. The huffing and puffing after a flight of stairs or the slight headaches remind us that here altitude is the boss. I try not to think too far ahead to cycling at 14,000 feet. Somehow when planning adventures at home this all seems so much more reasonable.
Tomorrow the cycling will begin. For now we wander through beautiful Cusco and lap up the music and people of the ongoing June festivals. I am quick to forget my heavy breathing with exertion at the sight of these two adorable faces below.
Now can someone get me another cup of Coca tea please?
Take it easy, Sue, and enjoy the sights and the cycling. Wonderful photos of Cusco and the festival season. Looks like so much to see and take in. Yes, you certainly go treat yourself to another cup of Coca tea and have one for me 😉
I will pour one right now Mabel and wish you were here to see the amazing colors. I’ve never seen anything like it. I am feeling better and yes taking it easy. Thanks so much for your comment and good wishes which I appreciate very much.
In the last picture, are they holding goats?! I am so jealous!! Good luck with the beginning of the cycling adventure! I’m cheering you on from a comfy couch… 😉
Robyn I think they are baby lambs! How adorable is that?! Keep cheering loudly. It will be interesting to see how things play out. It will make a good story right? 🙂
Coca tea or water which ever works but pacing yourself and listening to the Altitude Gods signs & symptoms is always good. Wonderfully colourful pictures. Good luck to Dave and you with the phase of your adventure.
I am making sacrifices to the altitude gods and having no alcoholic beverages. That should appease them right? 🙂 thanks for the good wishes Allan. Just about to head out cycling.
Glad you are feeling pretty well! 🙂 I’ve never heard of this festival, odd since it’s so apparently big! What a cool thing to experience. Enjoy your cycling!
Thanks so much Mani. I had not heard of it either until planning this trip. We hope to partake in it on our return from the cycling hiking tour. Hope all is well with you.
I wait, with bated breath, to see how this all plays out!
Thanks Yvonne. Here’s hoping we are both breathing easy. 🙂
Looks like a lot of color and fun at these festivals! Love the second pic – men in straw hats? Since there are so many costumes here, a link or two on what people are wearing might help us enjoy the post better?
The straw hats were part of hundreds of costumes. I am posting live in Peru so future posts at home may have links. Thanks for the suggestion!
Such colourful photos, Sue. I suffered quite badly with altitude sickness when we first arrived, but after a good night’s sleep and lots of Coca tea, soon got over it. Of course, I didn’t try cycling though, only walking. Good luck to you and Dave. xx
Glad to hear you recovered quickly Sylvia. I’m definitely feeling better so fingers crossed for the rest of the trip.
Sue, I can well understand the heavy breathing but I know that you will do well with your cycling tomorrow. With my internet service being what it is I have printed your maps Dave and am ready to begin my armchair adventure with you. There was a time dear readers when an ordinary world map would allow us to follow these two on their adventures.. Not so now!! Your great posts and photos entertain us all. Travel safely and hugs from home!
Thanks for the good wishes Mom! We feel the hugs across the miles. Too bad about the Internet. Starting tomorrow our internet access will be iffy. We are both doing well and just about to head out on our adventure. Lots of love!
Peruvians and Bolivians are such beautiful people and their costumes so rich with color and weaves. I find their musical instruments – and like our Native American flute – the most beautiful sound in the human world. Ride safely and enjoy every moment!
Sorry – not sure how my comment got wrapped in with Mom’s ?
Oh not to worry at all. 🙂
Thanks so kindly Sammy. I agree the music and colours are astounding! Loving it here.
I think you should get one of those hats as a holiday souvenir!
That would make a great look in Calgary that’s for sure. 🙂
Mmmm, coca tea. I miss that. Having lugged bags of cement and pushed wheelbarrows full of gravel up and down a hill at 13,000 feet I don’t envy you the cycling challenge. What am I saying? Of course I do!
More lovely photos. Thanks, Sue.
Oh my goodness H what an experience you must have had. I think pushing wheelbarrows sounds harder than cycling. Thanks for the lovely feedback on the photos. 🙂
Enjoy your cycling trip. I loved Cusco. Very nice and friendly people.
Glad to hear you had such a great time. We are loving it too!
What gorgeous colourful pictures, Sue. Now take it steady when you get on your bike.
Wonderful photos, Sue! Everyone looks so friendly and such fun, bright clothing. What are the big straw basket-ish hats?
They are one of the many traditional costumes of Peru Sue. I honestly don’t know more than that. Aren’t they spectacular?
Great pictures and it all seems so wonderful and vibrant! I don’t know what Coca tea, but I expect I would like it – it’s rare for me to meet a tea I don’t like 🙂 One of the essays I wrote on my Master’s last year was about the education of girls in rural Peru – I’d kind of forgotten about it till you mentioned Peru here!
Oh I would love to hear more about that Vanessa. The people are so friendly but definitely much poverty. Still such a joy around these festivals.
I love all the colour and the happy faces. Please do take it easy as altitude sickness is not fun. You seem well prepared so I´m sure you will be OK. Look forward to more posts.
I am feeling much better Datlene and the first day of cycling was spectacular. Thanks so much for sharing on Twitter!
So colorful! This post would be a good response to the Vivid photo challenge.
Thank you so much. The colours definitely are vivid aren’t they?
Wonderful, bright, colourful images, Sue! Have fun but do take it steady….. We want you back in one piece ?
I am doing much better today Sue. But yea trying to do all the right things. Thanks for your concern. 🙂
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Sue, I don’t envy you cycling at 14K. After spending some time there at altitude, I can see how it would be easy to overdo. So take care and take it slowly. And BTW, to fuel the cycling, we found a great rotisserie chicken place just off the Plaza. It’s called Los Toldos Chicken and is at 171 Almagro Street. The chicken is cooked over wood, and with a big plate of fries and a cold beer, it’s hard to beat. Best of luck in the cycling. ~James
James thanks for the good wishes. We will be leaving Cusco in the morning but we have had some spectacular meals here. I will definitely listen to my body in the weeks ahead.
how very colorful, Sue! lovely photo of the two girls with lambs (?). have fun cycling and take it easy! 🙂
Yes they are baby lambs. Aren’t they so sweet? Thank you kindly.
What a beautiful, colourful city to visit! I love the 1st picture of the woman sitting on the doorstep. I know I don’t have to tell you but take your time when you are cycling & use the pick up van if needed, not because you aren’t capable, but more so because of the altitude. You do not want to drive yourself to the point of not being able to participate in the magic of the beautiful place. Be well & stay safe on the road my friend.
Lynn these are wise words. I have definitely used the van on previous trips and won’t hesitate if needed on this one. Yes one definitely wants to be able to enjoy the trip. Thanks so much for your concern.
Sound a fun-tas-tic time, Sue. Love the colorful dress. In the second last photo, are those guy in fatigues there to control the crowds? Thanks for sharing these pictures.
Take your time and don’t push yourselves too hard. Be careful out there. 🙂 <3 <3
Tess they are actually rehearsing for the Festival of the Sun on June 24th. I will definitely take your words to heart and listen to my body. I am feeling much improved today.
I’ll be watching from waayy over here…
So happy to know that!
😀 😀 😀
Beautiful colors and I can almost hear the sounds of the festivities 🙂 Enjoy and be safe!
Thank so much Wendy. I think you would have great fun capturing photos here! I am feeling better today and yes definitely being safe. Hugs to you!
Glad you are feeling better. Thank you for introducing the colorful, fun festivals, Sue. How wonderful to eye witness this event. 🙂
It has been amazing Amy. Thanks so much.
Wow, that’s a major adjustment, isn’t it? Glad you’re enjoying your “conditioning” time, and I hope you’re feeling in top shape by the time you have to tackle the cycling!
Feeling much better today and had our first cycling which was spectacular. If the wifi gods allow there shall be a post I the next 24 hrs. 🙂
Such a colourful place, wonderful costumes and cracking good photos – take care on the bike and have FUN!
<3 <3
Jude much appreciated. I keep thinking about your advice on capturing details in the photos. See you are here with us! 🙂
Happy to tag along Sue, as long as you don’t make me ride that bike 😉
No you can ride on the handlebars Jude. 🙂
Oh, what great pictures. The kids, both two legged and four legged are simply adorable.
Thank you! Aren’t they just the sweetest?!
These pictures are so colourful and full of joy. I hope you will have a wonderful time cycling up and down. Good luck to your bum 😉
Haha thanks for the good wishes. My bottom is pretty used to being on a bike thankfully. 🙂
The colors are so vibrant! A photographer’s dream!
Bruce you are absolutely right. It’s hard to stop snapping. 🙂
Your pictures are full of bright colors! Good Luck tomorrow!
Thanks so much Nancy.
Beautiful photos just as I remember Cusco. I hope you keep having a wonderful time!
Thank you Annie. I’m glad this is bringing back good memories. First day of cycling today which was spectacular!
Glad to hear the coca tea and rest are helping in some measure. Best of luck with the cycling. When we heard about that part of your trip, our combined response was, “Ooof!”
Well our first day was today and it definitely is harder at altitude. But the scenery of the Sacred Valley was spectacular!
I don’t envy you cycling at that altitude! I’m feeling a little breathless just reading this!!
I love the pictures – especially the little ones in costume 🙂
Those little wee ones stole my heart Joanne. We had our first day of cycling and all went pretty well. Some extra huffing to be sure but spectacular scenery!
Sigh! I envy that You visited there. Someday I will visit there and see my goddaughter who is living on this area. Thank You for this interesting report.
You are most welcome. We are enjoying our time in Peru very much!
Like many other readers, I am happy to live vicariously through your post. I’d love to visit Peru, but cycle through it? No way – no how! I’ve never heard of coca tea, sounds wonderful. The colors and sounds of the festival would have me burning up the CF card in my camera! Can’t wait for the next post.
Coca tea is used to help aid adjustment to altitude and to ease the symptoms of altitude sickness. Coca leaves in mass quantity are used to make cocaine but this is just a mild tea.Thank you for your lovely feedback and for following along. Much appreciated.
Lovely pictures Sue! I’m finally playing catch up on my blog reading and am excited that you are on your big adventure! I was in Cusco about 14 years ago and I’m so curious how it all has changed. Looking forward to your posts!!!
Thank you Nicole. My guess is that the traditions and festivals remain very similar. It will be fun to compare notes!
Phew! I came here directly from Bespoke Traveller’s piece on Cusco and I was sure you 2 would be laid low. Glad to hear that you’re over the worst. Love that last photo, Sue. Take it as easy as you can when cycling! 🙂
I read that post too Jo and it really gave us food for thought. We are trying to follow all the good advice! Thanks for the share on Twitter. Much appreciated!
How wonderful to be in Cusco for so many festivals. You have managed to capture the mood of Cusco in our colorful photos. Good luck with the biking at those altitudes. You are a brave woman.
Some would say brave and some might use other words. 🙂 Thank you so much LuAnn.
Wonderful photos! So colorful!
Thank you!
Gosh, those figures are startling me. 200 000 revellers, 14 200 ft above sea level. Phew Weee! Fun time ahead.
Astounding numbers I know. Thanks so much Shannyn.
One cup of Coca tea for me please. 🙂
WOWZA, what a rich and vibrant part of the world. I love the textures in their dress. So happy and welcoming.
Happy cycling too, I admire your fitness skills. Up to day 18 of an ab challenge and can barely laugh without crying. #soft
You go girl! Being fit allows for so many opportunities in life.
I agree the colts are amazing.
I loved Cusco – so vibrant and beautiful! And there’s nothing like coca tea for the altitude headaches. Good luck with your Peruvian adventures!
Thanks so very much. It is an amazing place!
So happy to share them with you!