Ollantaytambo and Cusco

After climbing Machu Picchu, we took the train, Incarail, back to Cusco via Ollantaytambo the next day. When booking the train, note that the trains in the morning are half the price. The train can only be booked in the Business Class.

During the ride, we shook and wiggled along the river and the mountains towards the city with the unpronounceable name, Ollantaytambo [Oschanteitambo]. "You're drunk!" "No, I'm not!" "Say Ollantaytambo!" "......, okay, I am!"
During the ride, I met two Puerto Rican women and one Chilean woman. Since the two ladies had four suitcases, Cathi and I decided to share a taxi/transfer to Cusco to make the trip cheaper. When we arrived in Ollantaytambo, we got hungry. So we first walked into the center of the small town and treated ourselves to a delicious meal consisting of a large portion of quinoa soup, Pollo a la plancha con arroz, and a passion fruit juice. For 15 Sol. However, the transfer didn't work out. We could have taken a taxi for 30 Sol per person. Negotiating was not possible. So we decided to wait for an hour and only pay 10 Sol for the transfer.
By the way, Cathi took the mom by the hand and explained and showed her how to negotiate in South America. Hehehehehe! It's fun! Show interest, wait for the price, immediately turn off and react somewhat annoyed, make a counter offer/wait for a counter offer, if it's not good, leave. Usually, you then get the price that is justified and customary in the country.

After 1 1/2 hours, we were back in Cusco.

Cusco, the center of the old Inca Empire and a transit city/stopover city to travel to Machu Picchu.

As I mentioned earlier, Cusco is located at 3300m. The altitude is breathtaking if you haven't acclimatized properly beforehand. Ibuprofen, coca tea, and enough naps are definitely recommended. The mom didn't sleep so well there. Everyone I met had their own problems due to the altitude. For me, it was sleep. Probably also due to the cold and extremely dry and stuffy air in the 12-bed dorm.
Since I was a little weak, I didn't explore the city as much as I might have otherwise. Attached are a few impressions that I was still able to capture. Cathi and I continued our trading (mis)adventures.

There was something for Luca too 💞

And Cusco is the city where one party follows another, if you like. On her last evening there, the mom got caught in a Woodstock party at the hostel.

During the evening, a few homey feelings came up. A little bit like in Cologne.

The next morning we went back to Lima for two nights. Because it's about to continue. Argentina, la puta madre will arrive very soon!

In this sense: On to Argentina!

Have Fun & Be Proud!

Yours, Jan/Mom