I decided to do an urban hike around Cusco today, visiting a variety of places. I passed by many Churches and was planning of visiting a couple, but before entering found they would not let you take any photos and there was a charge.
I walked through over three plaza’s each having at least one church and a fountain.
Walking through one area I noticed the police on the veranda with shields. I went up to them and checked if okay to take a photo, I must admit it did look intimidating. LOL
As I was walking up a street that I had walked to and from my hotel many times, I ran into a couple that I was on a tour with the other day. They too were urban hiking today and I asked if they found the 12 Corner Sculpture. They told me where it was and I laughed as I told them I walked by it every day and never saw it. After chatting with them for awhile, I walked up to where they said it was and still couldn’t see it! LOL
They also mentioned about going around the corner to see the Puma on the wall. They could not see the shape of the puma when they were there. I looked at the poster that showed the outline and could see it right away! This pattern was original and part of the ancient Inca wall. Can you see it?
Maybe this will help.
I thought I would try to find the 12 sided sculpture one more time. I went back to the spot where they said it was. I stood there for a few minutes looking, but could not see anything. A gentleman standing beside me pointed onto the wall and showed me where it was! No wonder I didn’t see it!
It was ancient and without someone pointing it out there is no way you would know it was there! HaHaHa This guy also informed me that a while back when they had a devastating earthquake in Cusco that everything was destroyed except the Incan walls … this is how well they were designed. I was grateful for his help and then it happened … he pulled out his folder and asked if I wanted to buy one of his paintings. When I said I would have to think about it, he then asked me for a tip for the information. I was caught off guard; I have to admit that this was well played on his part. LOL
As I continued to walk around Cusco and admiring the structures built along the side of the hill.
I felt I had seen most of the highlights and decided to stop into a tourist information place to check out any local one day tours that would be interesting. The gentlemen mentioned one and informed me that it would cost 70.00 Peruvian Sol ($27.00 CDN) which would include transport from and to hotel, breakfast, lunch and entry fee to mountain. I purchased this tour. Well, it was off to bed early again as I will need to get up at 3:30am for tour to Rainbow Mountain.