Cusco

Cusco has to be the nicest city we've visited so far. Originally a seat of Incan power and then early Spanish colonial power, it is full of gorgeous buildings and about 12 churches (2 of which were trying to outdo each other in grandeur until the Pope put a stop to it). Unfortunately, we only got in 1 1/2 days of wandering around and getting our bearings before Matt got food poisoning which had him feeling pretty miserable for 3 days, though he rallied as best he could to do a couple of things.

Thankfully, we had plenty of time in Cusco, and once Matt was feeling better, headed out to see nearby Incan ruins including baths, forts and ceremonial sites. We also did a day tour (same price as the public transport) around the sacred valley. Pisac was beautiful but the highlight was Ollantaytambo and then stopping off at a local textiles house, where, apart from trying to sell us stuff, they demonstrated how they made the natural dyes. It was pretty amazing.

We spent the rest of our time checking out Cusco itself and going to a couple of church services so we could see the insides without paying the exhorbitant entry fees for tourists. It was quite interesting seeing the differences in the services, and overall a lovely way to see the churches and get a proper feel for them. The amount of gold and artwork was incredible. Most of the European Cathedrals wouldn't even get close to matching them.